The Motorcycle Touring Handbook By Motorbike-Tours.co.uk
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Index Introduction Packing What Bike Buying a used motorcycle Solo, group or organized Ten Top Tips for a Successful Motorcycle Tour The Destination Australia Where to go in Australia Australia‘s Weather Where to stay in Australia Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Australia Canada Where to go in Canada Canada‘s Weather Where to stay in Canada Motorcycle Tours& Hire in Canada France Where to go in France France‘s Weather Where to stay in France Motorcycle Tours & Hire in France Germany Where to go in Germany Germany‘s Weather Where to stay in Germany Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Germany Great Britain Where to go in Great Britain Great Britain‘s weather Where to stay in Great Britain Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Great Britain India Where to go in India India‘s Weather Where to stay in India Motorcycle Tour & Hire in India
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Italy Where to go in Italy Italy‘s Weather Where to stay in Italy Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Italy Mexico Where to go in Mexico Mexico‘s Weather Where to stay in Mexico Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Mexico Morocco Where to go in Morocco Morocco‘s Weather Where to stay in Morocco Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Morocco New Zealand Where to go in New Zealand New Zealand‘s Weather Where to stay in New Zealand Motorcycle Tour & Hire in New Zealand South Africa Where to go in South Africa South Africa‘s Weather Where to stay in South Africa Motorcycle Tour & Hire in South Africa Spain Where to go in Spain Spain‘s Weather Where to stay in Spain Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Spain USA Where to go in the USA The USA‘s Weather Where to stay in the USA Motorcycle Tour & Hire in the USA Vietnam Where to go in Vietnam Vietnam‘s Weather Where to stay in Vietnam Motorcycle Tour & Hire in Vietnam
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Introduction There‘s nothing quite like the feeling of setting out on a motorcycle tour. The sense of freedom it evokes is something belonging to the spiritual plane, which could only be explained and understood by a biker. The person peering through the glass of his or her four wheeled, metal box could never hope to reach that nirvana, and indeed, is most likely oblivious to its existence. What is a motorcycle tour? Well, it is what you want it to be. It can last a day or a year. You can go alone, with friends or on an organised guided tour. The one essential constant is preparation, a subject we will deal with shortly. Whether your tour is in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Asia, Africa or Southern Europe, the euphoria can quickly evaporate if the venture has been ill conceived. I hate to say it, but despite the special camaraderie shared by the biking community, there is an awful lot of snobbery afoot when it comes to the make and model of the motorcycle you ride. Some riders swear by Harley‘s, others by BMW, whilst Japanese machines enjoy a huge following. But is one really better than the other? The short answer is no; a bike that suits one person could be totally wrong for another. The best motorcycle is the one which you are most comfortable with, and thank goodness that we are all different, or the world would be a very boring place. The question of where to go depends very much on where you are starting from. If you live in the USA or Canada, it‘s very likely that you will remain within your own country‘s borders, although Mexico could be reachable for some of you. If you are in the UK or Ireland, the whole of Europe is on your doorstep. Travelling in Europe brings its own challenges, not least with the language and the issue of riding on the other side of the road (for British and Irish riders), but these are differences to be embraced and enjoyed, rather than feared. Whether you are at home or abroad, as long as you abide by the laws of the land and are courteous to other road users, you should have a trouble free tour. Other factors that can have an influence on the quality of your tour can be the weather, the condition of your bike, your clothing, your health and local holidays. If you are travelling to more ‗out of the way places‘, it would be a good idea to check on the current political climate, and don‘t forget to acquaint yourself with the necessary immunization requirements, but I assume that the rider who embarks upon this kind of journey will already be au fait with the niceties of touring, and will have some years of experience up their sleeves, unless 4
of course they are going with a group of people who have been there and bought the tee-shirt. Within each country section, you will see information regarding the weather. The importance of this cannot be overstressed. Spain, for instance can be blisteringly hot in July and August, whilst the mountainous regions are impassable during the winter months. It is important that you do your homework before you leave. Enjoy planning your tour and have a great time.
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Packing It's always a problem knowing what to pack for a motorcycle tour. Fortunately, that feeling of utter freedom we get when we are riding our bikes far outweighs the problem of limited luggage space. Having said that, the problem doesn't go away, but by applying a little thought, it can be overcome. Here are some tips to make life easier on the road. TRAVEL LIGHTLY It's tempting to throw as much as possible into your panniers, but remember, every ounce you pack onto your bike reduces handling qualities. Add to this a pillion and the needle on the pleasure-ometer begins to swing towards the low side. Of course, there are some things that you can't do without, but the keyword here is need. Take what you need and nothing more. PACK SENSIBLY To optimise the handling of your bike, place heavy items at the bottom of your panniers. BEFORE YOU GO In the weeks leading up to your planned tour, begin making a list of what you might need to take with you. At this stage, it doesn't matter if the list is too long; you can always cross things off as the time draws nearer. By using this method, you will ensure that the things you take with you are what you really need. You will also reduce the risk of leaving behind an essential item. MOTORCYCLE LUGGAGE Unless you enjoy riding for hours with a rucksack strapped to your back, it's invariably better to have panniers and a back box. Detachable panniers are great; they can be unhooked and carried like a suitcase. Belt bags are also popular for carrying things like money, credit cards and mobile phones.
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TO ROLL OR NOT TO ROLL You'll have to decide this for yourselves, but personally speaking I prefer to roll my clothes before placing them in a bag inside the panniers. Other riders like to lay things flat, but it doesn't work for me. Some bikers like to use zippable plastic bags that are sat upon to squeeze out the air before they are sealed. They claim that the vacuum keeps their clothes crease-free,
TANK BAGS Tank bags are fine and some expandable ones can hold quite a lot of luggage, but it does take the fun out of it a little bit for me. Longer, organized tours in remote areas often have a back-up vehicle, but otherwise you‘ll have to put up with it for the duration of the tour. PLASTIC SEALABLE BAG It's always good to keep your smelly socks away from your good clothes. How many times have you gone into your luggage and found that you can't decide whether you've worn those socks once before or not? SMALL ITEMS Very often small items are forgotten, such as; mobile phone charger, camera, camera batteries, first-aid kit, toiletries etc. This is when list-making comes into its own. If you're going to a hot country, don't forget your insect bite/sting cream. Something I always carry is a pack of tissues; I know it's just a small item, but it comes under 'Essentials' for me. REALLY ESSENTIAL If you get as excited as I do prior to a motorcycle tour, please pay extra attention to making sure that you are carrying your bike documents and driving licence. If you are going overseas, don't forget your passport, or you'll be turning around and going home. DON'T FORGET Unless you are heading for some remote region, there will always be a chance to buy things that you forget, but you aren't really going on a shopping trip so try to remember as much as you can. No doubt, there will be something you need, and it can be fun finding these things in a foreign town, but if the list is long, it can become tiresome.
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What Bike? Selecting a Tourer is a very personal thing, and I'm not saying that these ten machines are the best. Some may be out of production, but they are all available, albeit second hand. As I said before, the best bike is the one that suits you. You will notice that these bikes have large power units, but as someone who has toured extensively on a Yamaha Virago 535, I can tell you that engine size is not the be all and end all. As long as the bike is powerful enough to comfortably carry you and your luggage over long distances, it is suitable for the job. The main thing is to be at ease with your bike, no matter what make or model it is. HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 The only bit of kit that Honda's Flagship is missing is an ashtray, and they're probably working on that at the moment. This bike has been around a long time in one guise or another, but you only have to see the number of owners clubs and members to realise that its popularity isn't waning yet. A high-tech aluminium chassis keeps the weight down, providing a surprising turn of speed. This is the ultimate tourer, but just too bulky looking for some people. BMW K1200LT Although still quite heavy, this bike is more economical than the Goldwing. Looking around, it seems to be one of the most popular tourers around and rightly so if it's power you want, but it needs a little care on the twisties. Newer models are fitted with a reverse gear. HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE It's big, it's brash and it's American. Definitely built for comfort, not speed, but will turn more heads than you can shake a stick at. 110mph from a 1449cc engine says it all. One of the advantages of owning this machine is the minimal depreciation, and you're always going have something to talk about to any passing stranger. TRIUMPH TIGER TOURER Oodles of acceleration, limited vibration and a truly versatile character. But having said that, if you're on the short side, forget it. Being a shorty myself, I think it's a shame that motorcycle manufacturers exclude a huge section of potential customers by having a high seat. However, the taller motorcyclists I know assure me that this is an exceptional bike. I'll just have to take their word for it. HONDA ST1300 PAN EUROPEAN This is one of the most silky, comfortable, fast machines you're ever likely to have the pleasure of putting your bum on. Even with two up it handles superbly. If you're thinking about buying a tourer, this has to be worth considering. 8
YAMAHA FJR1300 This shaft driven offering from Yamaha was specifically built with touring in mind. The huge capacity tank and hard luggage are just part of the deal. Loads of power from the reliable engine will get you out of trouble, but that doesn't mean it's thirsty. The FJR represents value for money and I like it. MOTO GUZZI NORGE 1200 An excellent value for money, shaft driven bike from Moto Guzzi. With a range in the region of 200 miles and a comfortable riding position, this is a true tourer. Some harshly describe this as the poor man's BMW, but let's get one thing straight; it's shaft driven, but it's not a BMW. TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 Sadly discontinued in 2002, the Trophy is still worth considering if you can find a decent second hand model. It's a heavy bike, but it's much cheaper than say, the Pan and you'll still be getting a lot of bike for your money. For such a big bike, the cornering capabilities and general handling are pretty good, and you could do far worse than go for one of these, especially if you are on a limited budget. HONDA DEAUVILLE This mid size tourer can turn its hand to anything; ideal for commuting on a daily basis or touring across Europe, and the 54 litres of colour coded luggage will help. Low service costs and insurance group make the Deauville very attractive. The build quality of this shaft driven machine is legendary, making it high on would be adventurers' short lists. Often unfairly labelled ‗The Dullville‘. BMW R1200RT A faster, lighter and much welcome successor to the R1150RT, this machine is not just a good tourer, it's a good bike. One nice innovation on this bike is the height adjustable seat (there I go again). The Telelever/Paralever suspension provides excellent handling as you would expect from a BMW. Expect to pay a decent price for a second hand one, as these bikes hold their money, but if it's in good condition you're going to be the owner of one nice bike. Well, there are ten bikes for you, and they all have something to offer whatever your circumstances. If your favourite was not included, I apologise.
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Buying a Used Motorcycle You probably already have a bike, but if you‘re thinking of changing, here are a few words of advice. It‘s easy to rush into things once you‘ve decided to buy a new motorbike, but have a little patience and save yourself a little grief and a lot of money. DECIDE WHICH BIKE IS BEST FOR YOU Notice here, I avoided the word ‗want‘, because what you want, and what suits you best are totally different animals. It‘s all very well finally aspiring to the bike of your dreams only to find that you fall off at every junction because your legs are too short, or it‘s so fast that it scares you to death, so retain a modicum of common sense when making your purchase. There‘s also the question of what you can afford. You may scrape together the money to buy the bike in the first place, but can you really afford to run it. Don‘t forget; fast bikes are costly to insure, especially if you are young or have no ‗no claims‘ bonus. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Right, you‘ve decided which bike to buy and you‘re off to get your eager hands upon the beauty, but wait, hold on a minute. Before you jump in, ought you not to test the water? It‘s time to survey the market. This is an important point, because it could save you a lot of money. You‘re going to have to decide whether you‘re going to buy privately or from a dealer. Of course, buying privately is cheaper, but if you go down this route, make sure you know what you‘re doing. Buying from a dealer will offer more protection should there be a problem with the machine after you‘ve owned it for a week or two. Shop around and see who‘s offering the best deal. If necessary, hold back and wait until the bike you want is available. BE METICULOUS WITH THE PAPERWORK You may find a motorcycle that is just the thing for you, suits you down to the ground and is reasonably priced, but that price won‘t look so good if you buy the bike, only to discover a few weeks later that the person who sold the motorbike didn‘t actually own it. If the seller cannot provide the documentation for the motorbike, don‘t touch it. Make sure that the address on the registration document is the same as the door you‘re standing in front of. A LITTLE HISTORY Alright, we‘ve ascertained that the person who‘s selling the motorcycle is the rightful owner; well he thinks he is anyway. The fact is that if the motorcycle was bought on finance by someone who overstretched themselves and failed to keep up with the payments, the bike could well be the property of the money lenders. Firstly, ask the seller if the bike is paid for; unless he‘s an out and out liar, he‘s going to come clean and save you a lot of hassle. If he seems to be a decent chap 10
and you believe him…don‘t. Invest in a vehicle check. It could be the best money you ever spent. THE VIEWING Never, ever, ever, ever view a vehicle at any other place than the seller‘s home. Believe me; even if you have to travel a long distance to see the motorcycle, it‘s worth going that extra mile or two. Don‘t be tempted by offers to meet half way at a road side cafe or some such place. I hardly need to say this, but don‘t go at night. All vehicles look better under street lights. Now here‘s a really good idea; if you‘re not too hot on the mechanical side of things, take someone along who knows about bikes. DOES IT GO And more to the point, is it going to keep going? I refer back to the point about taking someone along who is knows about motorbikes. If you don‘t have a friend who fits into this category, it may be well worth paying someone who does. In the grand scheme of things a little extra on the price of the bike isn‘t too much to bear. The alternative could be unthinkable. BARGAIN? The motorcycle is a few years old, but according to the clock it must have been sitting in a garage, but hold on a minute, it looks a little worn in places. Watch out for ‗clocking‘. Ask the seller to produce test certificates from previous years and check to see if they tally with the recorded mileage. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Check it. It‘s not only humans that suffer from identity theft. Make sure you‘re not buying a ringer. Every vehicle carries a unique number; do your utmost to ensure that the number hasn‘t been changed. THE TEST RIDE Before you take the bike out for a ride, explain to the owner that you‘re going to be gone for at least half an hour. It‘s no good just going down the road and back and hoping to get a feel for a bike that you‘re going to be living with for a while. SOMETHING FISHY If something doesn‘t seem right, if there‘s a little niggle in the back of your mind, go home and think about it… no, just go home, leave it. Another bike will come along in due course.
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Solo, Group or Organized Some riders like to travel alone, and if you can cope with the solitude, this has many advantages. You decide the route, the duration of the tour and you get out of bed when you please, be it early or late. If you‘re heading down the motorway in France, see the sign for Spain and think ‗I‘ll have some of that‘, there‘s no problem, you just do it. This once happened to me by the way; I ended up in Spain without really meaning to, and had a great time. On the other side of the coin, it can be a problem when things go wrong. A breakdown is always a headache, but if you‘re alone it can prove very troublesome, especially if you have to leave your bike unattended. Another issue is illness; no one plans to be sick, but it can happen. Being sick is bad; being sick and alone in a foreign country is worse. Which brings us on to insurance; whether you are travelling alone or in a group, do the sensible thing, and make sure both you and your bike are covered.
Most people will be riding with a group, so there are a few things to consider at the planning stage. It is imperative that the route is decided before the start of the tour. Talk to each other and agree exactly where you are going, how many hours a day you will ride and how often you will stop. Do you have both fast and slow riders in your group? If you intend to stick together, you will need to reach a compromise, but don‘t try and make slow riders go faster; that‘s a sure fire 12
recipe for trouble. Do your homework and know exactly where you are going to end each day, and where you will be sleeping, whether it be in a city hotel or a campsite. If you are staying in a city hotel, it could be a wise move to select one that has private, secure parking. Even if nothing happens to your bike parked on the street, you could spend a sleepless night worrying about it. A well organised, group tour can be a memorable occasion, but skimp on the planning and it may all end in tears. When riding in a group, it‘s your job to keep an eye on the bike in front of you, whilst occasionally checking the one behind. If you can, it‘s a good idea to have communication between the lead and last bike, that way, if anything happens, the trail bike can contact the lead rider immediately. However, it‘s important to keep a reasonable distance between bikes. Assuming that you‘re going to travel within the specified speed limits, there are going to be other road users who will want to overtake. If you‘re bunched up, an overtaking vehicle can cause serious problems if you have effectively created one elongated vehicle. If you want to go on a motorcycle tour, can‘t find anyone to go with and don‘t fancy going it alone, an organised motorcycle tour with a reputable motorcycle tour company could be the answer. Gone are the worries of sourcing and booking accommodation, planning routes and finding places of interest. A good company meet you at a designated point; from there on, you can relax and ride. All the hotels will have been pre-booked and places of interest checked out. Of course, it costs a little extra to do it this way, but it‘s well worth it. You can so easily sail past an amazing place that lies a few short miles from the well worn path. A prime example of this is the Spanish Motorcycle Museum, which sits at the edge of the village of Hervas, a place no one would ever pass through to go anywhere. Many of the gems to be found on tour are off the beaten track, but hopefully, your tour operator will have researched the area and discovered them for you. The friendships forged on this type of tour can last a lifetime. Whether you are going alone, with a group or on an organised tour, ride safely and sensibly and enjoy yourself. Look after your fellow riders, and they will in turn, take care of you. Once bitten by the touring bug, it‘s very difficult to leave it alone, so here‘s to many years of happy touring.
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Ten Top Tips for a Successful Tour You chose a country that you thought would suit you, you’ carefully packed your luggage and your maps, you meticulously planned the route, but still the holiday is a disaster. What more could you have done to ensure the success of the tour? Here are the top ten tips for motorbike touring.
YOUR BIKE It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people set off on a long tour without making sure that their bike is in the best possible condition it could be. Having your motorcycle serviced before a long tour could save days of heartache, especially if you are planning a trip abroad. In some countries, garages aren’t always as motivated as you are, when it comes to getting your bike back on the road. Sometimes, the whole holiday can be taken up waiting for repairs. Don’t forget to carry spare bulbs.
YOUR CLOTHING Make sure you have the right clothing. Even in summer months there is a possibility that mountain roads can be subject to inclement weather. It could be forty degrees or it could be less than ten, and it’s a guessing game that you would be wise to avoid. If the weather is hot, make sure you’re carrying water.
DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW Don’t try and cover too much ground in one day. Many people who set out on their own, forget to allow time for refreshment stops. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your planned destination in a state of exhaustion, then quickly eating and climbing into bed. A few consecutive days of this will see you wanting to ditch your bike and catch a bus. Be reasonable with your itinerary.
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RIDE WITHIN THE LAW Is it a race or a motorcycle holiday? Another downer that could happen whilst on tour, is being pulled by the local police and hit with a huge speeding fine, and in some countries I mean huge. Always, but always respect the traffic laws and speed limits, and this applies if you’re touring in your own country too.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE SENSIBLY When planning your route, make sure you go somewhere interesting. It’s all very well spending the day on fantastic country roads, but when you wash up in that one horse town and you’re sitting in bar all by yourselves, you’ll wish you’d put a little more thought into the route. Again, if are travelling with a guided tour, someone else will have done all the homework for you.
WHEN ARE YOU GOING? What time of year are you planning to take the tour? Bear in mind, especially if you are travelling to a mountainous region, that even when the sun is shining on the coast, it can snowing in the mountains. In summer, you’re probably going to be fine if you remember to carry the right gear, but be careful in spring and autumn, or you may just have to pack a snow shovel.
DRINKING? I know that you’ve been set free and are determined to enjoy yourself, but believe me (here speaks the voice of experience), it’s no fun crawling to your bike with a raging hangover, a mouth that feels like a monkey slept in there and a splitting headache. For your own sake and the sake of the people you are travelling with, go easy on the booze.
HOW ARE YOU? We’ve talked about the condition of your bike, but what about you? You owe it to yourself to feel as well as you can during your tour. I’m not talking about launching into some kind of marathon training before you embark on your trip, but the better you feel, the more you’ll enjoy yourself, so if it means shedding a few pounds, it’s well worth it. Besides looking after yourself, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on 15
your travelling companions during the tour. It’s always worth asking how someone feels, especially if you know them well and feel they’re not quite on the ball.
DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA You’re in an incredibly beautiful mountain pass, the high peaks have a coating of pure white snow punctured by the most graceful pines you’ve ever seen, and guess what; you forgot you camera. This scenario is not as uncommon as you might think. Before you set off, and I don’t mean in the hour leading up to departure, make a list of all the things you’re likely to need on your trip. I know you want to travel light, but you can always cross things off the list, but you can’t magic them out of thin air once you’ve started.
FRIENDS This could be the most important one. Go with friends who’ll understand when you get lost, tired or irritable.
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The Motorbike Tours Newsletter contains the latest happenings and news about touring in Spain, plus additional features such as the ‘Featured Tourer’ and ‘Focus On’, which highlights a particular area, route or destination in Spain. To receive your free copy, email us at Motorbike-Tours.co.uk
The Destination This section of the book looks at some of the most popular motorcycle touring countries and what they have to offer. Places of interest can be a bone of contention, so included here are a few suggestions. Obviously, it would be impossible to feature every attraction in every country. As mentioned earlier, your destination largely depends on where you live, but it‘s easy enough these days to travel further afield and hire bikes on your arrival. The season will also have a bearing on your decision. Whilst January in Great Britain can be cold and wet, New Zealanders are enjoying their summer, so with that in mind, we have added weather charts to help you choose the right time for you. A lit of ‗Motorcycle Friendly Accommodation‘ has been added for each country. Where possible, a link to their website has been added so that you can check on the current prices and availability. Some of the establishments offer secure parking, but it is advisable to check with them before you book. Air conditioning may be a consideration if you are travelling during the hot months. The countries are listed in alphabetical order, and are also hyperlinked in the index.
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Australia Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world only two people per square kilometre. So there‘s plenty of room for you and your bike. If you hold a valid licence from your own country, you‘re allowed to ride the length and breadth of Australia without a problem, as long as the licence is in English. An international licence by itself is not always valid. If you hold a licence that is not in English, you may need an international licence to go with it. If you live in a country where motorists drive on the left, you have an immediate advantage and should easily adapt to the local laws. Riders from the USA and other countries which drive on the right should exercise caution and keep concentration at all times. For speed and distances, kilometres are used. The vast majority of Australians live on the coast and the major roads between cities are usually maintained in good condition. One important factor to remember when travelling between cities is to refuel at every opportunity. Filling stations, toilets and cafes can be hundreds of kilometres apart. Roads in remote areas can be problematical, especially during certain seasons or weather conditions. Some areas require permits. Be warned that police carry out random breath tests both in the city and rural areas. You can be stopped and tested without having committed an offence. If you fail a breath test, you will have to appear in court where you will almost certainly receive a heavy fine. Refusing a breath test is also an offence. Random drug testing takes place in certain states. If you are involved in an accident which causes death or injury to any person, you are legally required to stop and give assistance. Leaving an accident scene, even if you are not at fault, can bring a sentence of up to ten years imprisonment. You are obliged to contact the emergency services (numbers below), but are not required to give first aid if you are not trained. If you do give first aid, you will be protected by law and will not be at risk of ending up with legal action against you. Speed cameras are utilised throughout Australia, with some states opting for hidden cameras. Exceeding the speed limit by 10km/h will draw a fine, but higher speeds will mean a court appearance and possible criminal conviction. Traffic lights are also policed by cameras, so don‘t jump the red light. It is illegal to turn left at a red light. Speed limits are posted at regular intervals. Urban areas usually carry a 50km/h limit, but watch for school zones which have variable limits. You can overtake on both the left and right side of the vehicle you are passing, but on roads which carry a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not hog the right hand lane.
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Some bridges, tunnels and roads require a toll to be paid before you can use them. Sometimes, you can pay cash at a toll booth, but there are an increasing amount of automated toll roads which employ radio transponders installed in vehicles. If your vehicle doesn‘t have one, a photograph will taken of the registration plate. You will then have a day to make a phone call or visit a website to arrange payment before a fine is issued. Avoiding toll roads may seem like a good idea at the time, but you will probably pay for it in the end by way of extra fuel costs and time.
Currency
Australian Dollar
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
000 - From mobile 112
Fire
000 - From mobile 112
Police
000 - From mobile 112
Sydney
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Where to go in Australia Unless you‘re going to spend a lot of time in the country, you‘re going have to be selective about which part of the country to tour. You could hire bikes in different cities and fly from point to point if you wish, but you‘ll have to do your homework first. For non-Australian residents, a guided tour could be the answer.
Western Australia Western Australia is well known for sunshine. Tall forests and amazing surf are there to see in the Margaret River area. (Accommodation in Margaret River). If you fancy diving with the whale shark, the Ningaloo Reef is the place you should heading for, whilst you could feed wild bottle-nose dolphins at Monkey Mia. Getting back on land, there‘s camel riding on Broome‘s Cable Beach. Victoria If it‘s dramatic scenery that rocks your boat, Victoria‘s ‗Great Ocean Road‘ is well worth riding. It takes in Historic ports, whale lookouts, surf beaches , fantastic mountain vistas, rainforests and national parks. Ballarat in Victoria‘s Goldfields, having the site of the world‘s largest deposit of alluvial gold, enjoys a rich history and these days, a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The legacy of the gold rush reflects in the fine architecture. If you like, you could pan for gold at Sovereign Hill and take a look at the great collection of gold nuggets. (Accommodation in Ballarat) New South Wales Lying 250 miles south-west of Sydney, Tumut is the gateway to the Snowy Mountain scheme where the magnificent Dam holds back three and a half times the amount of water in Sydney Harbour. The views down the valley are memorable to say the least. (Accommodation in Tumut). The Acacia Motel is motorcycle friendly Sydney Everyone has to see Sydney Harbour before they die, but apart from the iconic harbour bridge and Opera House, Sydney has plenty to offer. Not least, it‘s superb natural beauty. If you fancy getting off your bike and taking to a surf board, what better place to go than Bondi Beach. The Rocks area is great for taking a break from th road and strolling around the pubs and cafes. Tasmania Soak up history on Hobart‘s riverfront cobblestone streets and wind through the Coal Valley‘s cool-climate wineries. Lose your breath at Wineglass Bay and 20
discover shipwrecks and diamonds on Flinders Island. Walk over Cataract Gorge, a dramatic wilderness in the heart of Launceston, or head to the World Heritage-listed wilderness that makes up 20 per cent of the island. See your face in Dove Lake and trek the Overland Track in Cradle-Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, wander through dark Gondwanan rainforest Southwest National Park and watch two wild rivers tumble through valleys as one in FranklinGordon Wild Rivers National Park. As well as rugged and ancient natural beauty, Tasmania has a thriving creative culture, a rich history of convicts, piners, miners and whalers and fabulous food and wine. Northern Territory You can lose and find yourself in the Northern Territory, a place rich in Aboriginal history and rugged, natural beauty. Immerse yourself in Darwin‘s melting pot of cuisines and cultures and explore the rainforest and Aboriginal rock art of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Stay in the Red Centre town of Alice Springs, then visit the iconic wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Cruise down vast Katherine Gorge and pan for gold at Tennant Creek. The Northern Territory also offers a huge array of wildlife, colourful outback characters and landscapes for outdoor adventure. Queensland Sun yourself on the golden sands of Surfers Paradise, snorkel through the technicolour treasures of the Great Barrier Reef and discover Fraser Island. Explore the magical Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide or charter a yacht to the pristine Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy resort relaxation in Noosa, frolic on the beaches of the Capricorn Coast and see dinosaur footprints near Winton. Go diving from the gracious town of Bundaberg and bushwalk through national parks near Mackay. Visit wineries and rodeos in Southern Queensland Country and go horse riding on Townsville‘s Magnetic Island. However you experience Queensland, the landscapes and lifestyle will never leave you.
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Australia‘s Weather – charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia. Alice Springs Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall (mm)
Mean Number of Rain Days
36.2
38.7
4.6
35.0
43.7
4.7
17.4
32.6
33.6
3.2
Apr
12.5
27.9
18.2
2.2
May
8.3
22.9
19.5
3.2
Jun
5.2
19.8
14.8
2.7
Jul
4.1
19.6
14.5
2.7
Aug
6.1
22.5
10.1
2.1
Sep
10.1
27.0
8.7
2.3
Oct
14.7
30.7
22.1
4.9
Nov
17.8
33.5
25.9
5.7
Dec
20.2
35.3
38.9
5.8
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
21.4
Feb
20.7
Mar
Sydney Mean Temperature oC Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
18.6
25.8
104.3
12.2
Feb
18.7
25.7
116.1
12.3
Mar
17.5
24.7
132.1
13.3
Apr
14.6
22.3
127.8
12.0
May
11.5
19.3
122.8
12.0
Jun
9.2
16.8
129.8
11.5
Jul
8.0
16.2
98.9
10.3
Aug
8.9
17.7
82.2
9.9
Sep
11.0
19.8
69.5
10.4
Oct
13.5
22.0
77.2
11.4
Nov
15.5
23.5
83.3
11.4
17.5 25.1 78.3 11.5 Dec Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org 22
Adelaide Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
27.9
17.8
4.7
16.0
28.1
19.0
3.8
Mar
14.3
25.3
21.8
5.7
Apr
11.6
22.0
36.1
8.9
May
9.5
18.4
56.1
13.3
Jun
7.6
15.9
55.7
13.6
Jul
6.9
14.9
62.2
16.0
Aug
7.6
15.8
50.9
16.0
Sep
8.8
18.0
47.9
13.3
Oct
10.6
20.8
40.4
11.2
Nov
12.5
23.5
25.1
7.8
Dec
14.3
25.5
24.0
6.9
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
15.7
Feb
Cairns Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
23.6
31.4
395.3
17.8
Feb
23.7
31.1
456.5
19.0
Mar
23.0
30.5
418.1
19.2
Apr
21.6
29.2
198.9
17.7
May
19.8
27.6
94.7
13.7
Jun
17.7
25.9
47.8
9.6
Jul
17.0
25.6
29.0
8.8
Aug
17.4
26.5
28.2
8.0
Sep
18.6
27.9
35.6
7.8
Oct
20.6
29.4
40.8
8.2
Nov
22.3
30.6
96.9
10.0
23.3
31.3
181.7
13.7 Dec Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
23
Where to stay in Australia
Alexandra House Executive Bed & Breakfast Motel
Victoria Alexandra house is a heritage listed property built in 1908,recently refurbished containing many original features from the Victorian Era but with the luxuries of today. The main house comprises 4 extremely spacious bedrooms, most with ensuites. Perfect for that taste of life in the 19th century. The main property also features several sitting rooms, should you wish to mingle with the other guests, along with a billiard room with onsite bar. The 5 outside units, all with private facilities, (1 featuring a spa) are centered around the main gardens for that relaxing afternoon sun. Breakfast - Country style breakfast to your room or in spacious dining room. A Continental Breakfast is supplied free a cooked breakfast is extra BBQ facilities Bar / Lounge Games room Luggage storage NO smoking in buildings On-site undercover parking Street parking Room service - limited service Self service laundry facilities Wheelchair accessible Wifi access
Telephone (03) 5338 7007 Website Email
Alexandra House, 187 Scott Parade, Ballarat East 3350 24
Margaret River Guest House Travellers worldwide love the ambiance, history, hospitality and vibrancy of the Margaret River Guesthouse as well as the convenience of being positioned just minutes from the Margaret River Town Centre. 6 rooms, all with ensuite, air con, LCD TV, DVD, fridge, tea/coffee making. Guests can relax in our lounge which has a wood fire or outside in our spacious gardens. All linen and towels provided. Telephone (08) 97572349 We accept Visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS. Website Undercover parking for motorcycles available. Email 22 Valley Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 Western Australia Albany
Visit Our Website
www.yourholidayrentals.com Motorcycle Friendly Accommodation around the World 25
ACACIA MOTEL ARMIDALE NSW The Acacia Motel is a friendly, quiet family operated business, located on Miller Street in the historic town of Armidale, just an hour’s drive north of Tamworth. Our comfortable rooms are ideal for resting up after a day’s ride. We cater for all groups from our family rooms to the deluxe suite Acacia Motor Inn has 15 rooms ranging from a single room to a family room which holds up to five people. We also have a disabled room with one queen bed and one single bed. We also have; Wireless Internet Flat screen TVs Austar Mini fridge Micro Wave Air conditioning Visit Our Website Email Us
192 Miller St - Armidale 2350 NSW, Australia Ph: 02-6772 Area 7733 | Fax: 02-6771 1901 26
Avoca Palms Resort Apartments Avoca Palms Resort Apartments are fully catered apartments with a 4 and a half star rating 200m from the Beach right in town. Ideal for motorbikes as we have 2 set undercover locked parking bays per apartment and sharing the large 3 bedroom apartments can reduce the cost of good quality accommodation. Avoca is a fantastic base for exploring the central coast. In Avoca itself se are 200m from one of the best surf beaches in the world, walking distance to Avoca Beach Theatre and a short drive from Lizottes music restaurant. Garaged parking. Telephone
0414462559
Website http://www.avocapalmsresort.com.au/ Email
info@avocapalmsresort.com.au
Bathurst Area Barcoo's Barn Farmstay & Retreat A genuine Australian working farm just 10 minutes to Bathurst in the Central West of NSW. Within 3 hours drive of Sydney. Enjoy farm life and use us as a base to explore the region. 24 hour reception 24 hour hot showers Credit cards accepted Wireless Internet Self-catering Facilities Lounge area Barcoo's Barn Farmstay offers 2 separate units. The BARN UNIT has sleeping for up to 9 in 2 bedrooms, with kitchen facilities and a large outdoor BBQ (gas) area overlooking the beautiful Vale Ck Valley & Perthville. Our HILLVIEW UNIT is perfect for a couple or a small family, with a queen bedroom, separate sitting room, private 3 way bathroom, private entrance & it's own outdoor living/BBQ (gas) area with peaceful rural views. Your tariff includes continental breakfast supplies plus our farm fresh eggs. Our farm has sheep, cattle, 2 alpacas, working dogs, chickens and our awesome Clydesdale horses, A sled ride with Barcoo is complimentary and horse drawn wagon rides are available. Bathurst is Australia's oldest inland city & has some beautiful historic buildings, the famous V8 1000 car race is held at Mt Panorama & you can drive around this spectacular race track. Visit the Car Racing Museum, award winning Mineral & Fossil Museum, Abercrombie Caves, historic gold mining villages, boutique winery's & beautiful countryside.
Telephone
6126372383
Website
http://barcoosbarn.com.au
info@barcoosbarn.com.au
27
Northern Territory Alice Springs Swagmans Rest Apartments The double / twin / triple apartments have a Queen bed in the main bedroom ,plus a Single Sofa bed in the living area. The family apartments have a Queen and either a Bunk or a Single bed [ depending on which type] in the main bedroom ,and a Twin Sofa bed in the living area All rooms have a full gas stove ,microwave , fridge , TV, Air Con , etc. The property is fully secured with full high security fencing , security gates from 7 pm to 7 am , plus periodic security patrols....perfect for Bikers ! Your booking can be fully secured / confirmed with : a] credit card details which can be sent by email in three parts for internet security . Alternatively the details can be telephoned , mailed or facsimilied. ie: 1st eight digits , then second 7 or 8 digits , followed by expiry date and card holders name. If you chose to use a credit card to secure , the card will not be debited until you actually arrive at the property. b] A deposit by cheque or money order 14 days prior to arrival. We accept all major credit cards and Eftpos
Telephone
08 89531333 or 1800 089612
Website
http://www.theswagmansrest.com.au
book@theswagmansrest.com.au
28
Cairns Central Plaza Port Douglas Central Plaza Port Douglas is a 4 star serviced apartment resort. With 28 - 1, 2 & 3 bedroom spa apartments. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spa in ensuite Full kitchen Air-conditioning 2 bathrooms 250,000 litre salt water pool, large outdoor spa, BBQ area Undercover parking. Close to town and beach is only a 4 minute walk Tour desk open 8am to 6pm Onsite managers for after hours Free in house movies Wireless broadband hot-spot 50 metres to tennis courts Large Tropical gardens
ONSITE MOTOR BIKE AND SCOOTER HIRE. We know all the best places to go sight-seeing, ask our friendly staff for more information.
Telephone: (07) 4099 6488 Website
http://www.plazaportdouglas.com.au
info@plazaportdouglas.com.au
Brisbane Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartments Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartments is situated only 2kms from the magnificent Brisbane City. Providing 2 levels of premium accommodation, Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartments offer a range of luxurious self contained apartments, all with air conditioning and modern room facilities. We offer 4 and 4.5 star 1, 2 or 4 bedroom apartments. All apartments are self contained with kitchen, dining and lounge area separate to the bedrooms. 3 Disabled apartments. All apartments have stove, fridge, mircowave, crockery, cutlery and saucepans. All linen and towelling is supplied. The apartments are serviced weekly on a 8 day or more stay. If a daily towel service is required an additional charge applies. 2 swimming pools and B.B.Q area.Foxtel. DVD players in all apartments. Telephone:
07 33916855
Website
http://www.kangaroopoint.com
mail@kangaroo.com
29
Tasmania Bicheno Bicheno by the Bay Bicheno by the Bay comprises 20 stand-alone timber bungalows, all with full cooking facilities and undercover car ports along-side. Each bungalow has its own kitchen, laundry, lounge room, bathroom and separate bedrooms. Choose a one bedroom bungalow for two, or the four bedroom one for 9 - there is plenty of space for bikes and gear. The property also features a licensed restaurant, communal fire pit and heated pool. Most units have ocean views and the property is only a three minute walk to the town centre. Bicheno is the ideal base from which to explore Freycinet National Park, Douglas Apsley National Park, the East Coast beaches, wineries, wildlife park.
Telephone
03 6375 1171
Website
www.bichenobythebay.com.au
info@bichenobythebay.com.au
Hobart Appleisle Cottages This AAA 4 Star Heritage Listed cottage features Hobart city & water views & is located in a quiet one way street just 1 km or a 5 minute walk from the city centre & close to the North Hobart restaurant, theatre & gallery quarter. When booking a stay, the home & all facilities including off street parking are completely yours to enjoy. Capable of accommodating up to 6 adults travelling together, it consisting of two queen bedrooms, one double bedroom & two bathroom facilities. There is a fully equipped kitchen with an eat-in breakfast nook or your may enjoy breakfast on the patio or enclosed veranda overlooking Hobart & the Derwent River. The lounge/dinning room has TV, stereo, video & games cupboard. French doors open onto the courtyard with outdoor furniture & gas BBQ complementing the fully landscaped gardens & your views over looking Hobart. For corporate stays please note Internet Connection is available. This is a No Smoking venue. Private Car Park
Telephone
0407 932 394
Website
http://www.appleisle.com.au
info@appleisle.com.au
30
Victoria Alexandra Maybole Cottage Maybole Cottage is an easy and spectacular bike ride from Melbourne. Come up the Black Spur from Healesville for one of Victoria‘s best loved rides. Maybole is a 250 acre beef cattle farm situated in a quiet valley 5 km from Alexandra. The cottage is totally self contained and sleeps six comfortably in three separate bedrooms. Please visit our website for full information and current price list. Excellent Parking Facilities ! Large flat grassed area for turning or parking between cottage and sheds. Would fit several cars and trailers as well as numerous bikes. Shedding would hold 10+ bikes and gear. This is a great place for working on bikes, storing extra stuff or drying out wet gear. Sheds have concrete floors, power and light. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only Parking off-road
Telephone
Telephone: (03) 5772 1690
Website
http://www.maybolecottage.com.au
info@maybolecottage.com.au
Mornington Peninsula A la plage a la plage is a purpose built 4.5 star traditional B&B having 3 queen-size ensuite bedrooms ( one twin room available ) catering for up to 6 people. Guests own lounge and dining area with TV, Video, CD etc also tea and coffee and fridge Share the owners love of all things French - Their old Citroens, Velo and general ambience ' Ici on parle francais '. A scrumptious breakfast is served in front of the gas log fire in winter or on the deck in summer. Enjoy fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurts, toast, croissants and jams followed by something hot? Walk to all the Sorrento attractions shops, restaurants, cinema, hotels and galleries. Watch the Queenscliff ferry while eating the famous fish and chips on the foreshore. A short drive to all the famous wineries, golf courses etc. a la plage is a smoke free home and not suitable for children.
Telephone
(03) 5984 1280
Website
http://www.alaplage.com.au/
info@alaplage.com.au
31
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Australia
Bikescape Motorcycle Tours & Rentals has been operating and growing since 1997 and has a huge customer base from all parts of the globe. Come and see us - we will more than satisfy you with our great customer service and attention to detail. We have the most up-to-date fleet in Australia with all your favourite bikes in every size and style. What do you look for in a motorcycle? Power, looks, comfort, reliability, agility? Whatever you want Bikescape can provide. Deals & Steals Be sure not to miss our specials... Every now and again, we are able offer some very special deals. One way rides at reduced rates! These deals are very limited - so don't waste anytime, take advantage of these reduced rates. info@bikescape.com.au website
32
Canada Canada occupies the major part of northern North America and is the second biggest country in the world. Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, it shares land borders with the USA, both to the south and north. English and French are the official languages of the country, with English being the mother tongue of almost 60% of the population. More than 90% of Canadians speak English or French, whilst around 18% have both languages. The vast majority of French speaking Canadians live in Quebec, where French is the official language. Inuktitut is the most widely spoken language in Nunavut. Other languages spoken in the country are Cantonese, Italian, German and Punjabi. Canada has an unusually large number of lakes, with 31,752 of these larger than 3 square kilometres. 561 lakes have a surface area of more than 100 square kilometres. The number of smaller lakes is not recorded officially. Roads in Canada are maintained to a very high standard and are usually found in excellent condition, but some can be extremely dangerous during certain weather conditions. Bear in mind that some roads are situated in remote regions, so it is wise to always carry a mobile phone. Distances are very long and accidents caused by fatigue are not uncommon. Be on the lookout for wild animals in some areas. Running into a Moose can have disastrous consequences both for you and the animal. Speed and distances are measured in kilometres and motorists drive on the right. Generally, the speed limits are 50km/h in urban areas and 80km/h to 100km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are employed both in urban and rural areas. If you come across a stationary school bus with flashing red lights, you must stop no matter which direction you are approaching from. Some states do not allow radar detectors to be carried. If you are caught with one, it will be confiscated and you will receive a fine. A driving licence from your own country is sufficient to satisfy the Canadian police. If you do not own the bike you are riding, a document or letter must be carried that indicates the owners‘ permission for you to be using the bike. In Quebec, most road signs are in French. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offence in Canada and breath tests are not uncommon.
33
Currency
Canadian Dollar
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Police911
Quebec
Back to the Index
34
Where to go in Canada It‘s the second largest country in the world, so we are only able to offer a taste of Canada here. Its land stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the high Arctic to the northern border of the U.S.A. Canada carries a popular image of rugged mountains and pine forests, when in fact its geography is very diverse. Besides the mountainous terrain, there are also deserts and beautiful beaches, Canadian Rockies The Canadian Rockies divide Alberta and British Columbia and feature some of the best biking roads in the world. A large part of the Rockies lie within designated National and Provincial Parks. Banff is around two hours ride from Calgary and Jasper can be reached within three hours from Edmonton. If you‘re coming in via Vancouver, expect a good 12 hours in the saddle before you get to the Rockies. This is definitely a summer destination. Ontario Ontario is an Iroquois word meaning ‗sparkling water‘ and this region certainly lives up to its name. It is bordered in the north by the Hudson Bay and in the south by the ‗Great Lakes‘, in fact one sixth of its area is covered by lakes and rivers, Lake Superior being the largest body of fresh water in the world. Toronto is Canada‘s largest city and Ontario‘s capital. It‘s a great city, so try and tie it into your tour if at all possible. Nova Scotia The peninsula of Nova Scotia is surrounded by four bodies of water; The Gulf of St Lawrence, The Bay of Fundy, The Northumberland Strait and of course, The Atlantic Ocean. Its rugged coastline makes for great biking roads with wonderful scenery, whilst inland you‘ll find some beautiful lakes. Nova Scotia lies in the Northern Temperate zone, which moderates the extremes of a continental climate. Quebec With the Hudson Strait to its north, the St Lawrence River and gulf to the south and the James Bay and Hudson Bay on the western side, Quebec is almost entirely surrounded by water. It has an area three times larger than that of France and is Canada‘s largest province. The population are predominantly French speaking.
35
Canada‘s Weather – charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Metrological Service of Canada. Vancouver Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
0.5
6.1
153.6
18.5
Feb
1.5
8.0
123.1
16.3
Mar
3.1
10.1
114.3
17
Apr
5.3
13.1
84.0
13.9
May
8.4
16.5
67.9
13.0
Jun
11.2
19.2
54.8
11.2
Jul
13.2
21.7
39.6
6.9
Aug
13.4
21.9
39.1
6.8
Sep
10.5
18.7
53.5
8.6
Oct
6.6
13.5
112.6
14.3
Nov
3.1
9.0
181.0
19.7
Dec
0.8
6.2
175.7
19.8
Montreal Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Minimum Maximum
Jan
-17.0
-7.0
99.1
17.3
Feb
-15.0
-4.6
62.4
13.4
Mar
-8.3
1.5
71.3
13.8
Apr
-0.1
10.7
86.9
12.9
May
6.2
18.8
79.7
13.2
Jun
10.9
23.1
99.7
13.5
Jul
13.6
25.5
96.8
13.0
Aug
12.4
24.2
97.3
12.5
Sep
7.3
19.0
94.5
12.0
Oct
1.7
12.1
89.4
14.0
Nov
-3.6
4.5
100.2
16.2
-12.7 -3.6 87.3 17.4 Dec Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
36
Toronto Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
-7.3
-1.1
61.2
15.3
Feb
-6.3
-0.2
50.5
11.7
Mar
-2.0
4.6
66.1
12.7
Apr
3.8
11.3
69.6
12.1
May
9.9
18.5
73.3
12.2
Jun
14.8
23.5
71.5
11.1
Jul
17.9
26.4
67.5
10.3
Aug
17.3
25.3
79.6
10.5
Sep
13.2
20.7
83.4
10.6
Oct
7.3
13.8
64.7
11.4
Nov
2.2
7.4
75.7
12.7
Dec
-3.7
1.8
71.0
14.5
Edmonton Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
-19.1
-8.0
22.7
11.1
Feb
-16.3
-4.7
13.0
8.3
Mar
-9.9
1.0
16.0
9.1
Apr
-2.2
10.7
26.3
8.0
May
3.4
17.4
49.9
11.3
Jun
7.7
20.5
87.4
14.2
Jul
9.5
22.2
95.2
14.4
Aug
8.3
21.7
70.3
12.6
Sep
3.3
16.9
47.1
9.9
Oct
-2.4
10.9
19.8
6.6
Nov
-11.0
-0.4
17.7
8.5
Dec
-16.7
-5.9
17.3
10.1
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
37
Where to stay in Canada Calgary A New Horizon An elegant Bed and Breakfast located 20 minutes west of downtown Calgary and close to the Majestic Rocky Mountains. Anew Horizon is perfectly located for some awesome day trips through Kananaskis to Canmore or Banff or along the Cowboy Trail. End your day working out those kinks in our hot tub and enjoy the night by the fire pit or have a game of pool. After a great nights sleep, a full breakfast will greet you before heading out to your next cruising adventure. Ride safely and keep the rubber down.
Telephone
403-536-0230
Website
http://www.anewhorizon.ca
AnewHorizon@telus.net
Montreal Residence Inn Welcome to the Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Westmount! Our hotel is located in an affluent neighborhood on the upper west side of downtown Montreal and just minutes away from gracious homes, elegant shops, trendy restaurants and an exciting night life. All our suites are equipped with a full kitchen and free High Speed Internet. Our enthusiastic and engaging staff will help you make you feel right at home and can easily help you with any touristics information Daily hot buffet breakfast and evening social, courtesy of the hotel. Indoor pool, on-site indoor parking, self-service laundry facilities.
Telephone
1-800-678-6323
Website westmount
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yulmr-residence-inn-montreal-
reserve@residencemontreal.com
38
Niagara Falls Glen Mhor Guesthouse Glen Mhor Guesthouse welcomes you to our charming turn-of-the-century home overlooking the beautiful Niagara River Gorge in Niagara Falls. For over 21 years, travellers from around the globe have made us their destination of choice in Niagara. We provide exceptional hospitality and comfort at economical rates. We offer 4 beautifully appointed, air conditioned rooms with ensuite or private bathrooms. Included in the rate is a varied continental style buffet which consists of an assortment of fresh fruit, juices, freshly baked delights, yogurts, cereals, cheeses, and quiche. Breakfast is held in the hand painted garden sunroom from 8:30am until 10am . As well, complimentary refreshments such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and bottled water are available 24 hours per day. Situated just minutes away from the majestic falls and other local attractions/dining, we recommend that you leave your car or Motorcycle parked in our ample well lit parking lot while you stay with us. We invite you to relax in our landscaped garden amid the flowers while enjoying the view or take a short drive or bicycle ride along the scenic Niagara River Parkway to the quaint historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival Theatre. We are located two minutes from the Queen Elizabeth Way highway and bridges to U.S.A.
Telephone
905-354-2600
Website
http://www.glenmhor.com
reservations@glenmhor.com
Back to the Index
39
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Canada
CANADA MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
Back to the Index
40
France The largest country in the European Union and the second largest in Europe, France has been a major world power for many centuries and is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The French colonised huge parts of North America, North West and Central Africa and numerous Pacific islands. French hotels fall into one of four categories from 1 to 4 stars, as designated by the Ministry of Tourism. This rating is exhibited on a blue shield by the entrance to all hotels. By law, all hotels must display their rates outside the establishment, or make them visible from outside, but don‘t be afraid to enter and ask for their best price. City centre hotels are usually quite small, so it would be advantageous to book in advance. Make sure you check on the parking arrangements, especially in big cities. Bed and Breakfast establishments are mainly available in rural areas, where they are known as Chambres d'hôtes. These operate on a nightly basis, as do the motel style hotels that lie along the roadside. For longer stays, a gite could be a good idea. Gites are normally offered as a complete package which includes a kitchen, and are usually offered on a weekly basis. You may also rent a house, apartment or villa from a reputable website. If a few of you are travelling together, this may be a good option. You could also enjoy the luxury of a private swimming pool. With France being so popular, it is wise to book ahead. Speed and distance is measured in kilometres and speed limits can vary in different weather conditions. Urban limits are usually 50km/h whilst motorways are 130km/h reducing to 110km/h in the wet. If you have held your licence for less than two years, you cannot exceed 110km/h on the motorway. This applies to visitors as well as French licence holders. Speed cameras and radar traps are used, and radar detectors will be confiscated if you are caught with one. Fines are ‗on the spot‘ and heavy. Urban speed limits begin at the town name sign and end at the town name sign with the diagonal red line. Be careful when you see a driver flashing his lights at you. This could mean that there is a speed trap ahead, or that he is telling you that he has the right of way. Drivers do not flash their lights to tell you to proceed, as in Britain. Drinking alcohol and driving/riding is a serious offence in France, and the alcohol limits are very low, so it‘s best not to drink at all. Don‘t forget to ride on the right. Toll roads are widespread in France, but unless you have plenty of time on your hands, they are the best way to cover long distances. I know, it‘s a real pain on a motorcycle, especially when there‘s a queue behind you. The best way to do it is 41
to put your bike on the stand and get off. It‘s not easy trying to remove your gloves and fiddle about in your pockets for money whilst trying to hold the bike upright. Let them wait. French motorway service stations often only have coffee machines and there is a distinct lack of seating in many of them. Some ‗aires‘ only have basic facilities such as toilets.
Currency
Euro
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Police
112
Near Millau
Back to the Index 42
Where to go in France Brittany Rugged coastal regions, enchanted woods and a fascinating history, all just a short distance from the south coast of England. The Brits amongst you could easily enjoy a long weekend in Brittany, whilst riders from further away could combine it with a trip to the UK. (Accommodation in Brittany) Limousin A beautiful area of gently rolling hills, mountains, lush forests and historic cities. This area is often referred to as The French Lake District or The Land of a Thousand Lakes, so wherever you‘re riding in this area, there‘s sure to be one close by. All this adds up to fantastic biking country. If you can, pop into the atmospheric, old city of Limoges. (Accommodation in Limousin)
Languedoc-Roussillon This is where the Pyrenees plunge into the Mediterranean, so breathtaking scenery and great biking roads are assured. There are so many great routes here that you‘ll be spoilt for choice. If you want to escape the mountains for a day or two, there are numerous sandy beaches to relax upon. The food and wine here is exquisite. (Accommodation in Languedoc-Roussillon)
Midi Pyrenees The Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. The Midi Pyrenees area of France is stunningly beautiful and is a favourite haunt for bikers. Riding through the passes with a wall of stone on your right and a panoramic view of the mountains to your left, will leave you awe-struck. (Accommodation in The Midi Pyrenees) Normandy by Walt Ballenberger
To fully understand Normandy, one has to visit more than WWII sites and museums. To experience this region and understand its history and culture, one should visit these eight venues: 1. Honfleur- This picturesque little port village has been a magnet for artists for years, including the French impressionists. The cobblestone streets of the town and the old basin full of sailboats are especially gorgeous. One can visit the many shops and galleries, and there are excellent restaurants nearly everywhere. There are several museums and unique old wooden churches to see as well.
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A drive of about a half-hour to Deauville and Trouville is also worth the effort. Walk the famous boardwalk in Deauville, which has hosted the annual American Film Festival for years, and observe the interesting architecture of the huge beach houses, unique in Europe. On the way to or from Deauville, stop at a cider/calvados tasting location. Several are marked along the road. Grapes are not grown in Normandy to make wine, as the local beverages are made mostly from apples or sometimes pears. The cider is fizzy and has only about one-third the alcohol of wine. It goes well with a local favorite, moules-frites (mussels and fries). Calvados is brandy made from apples. Speaking of food, Normandy is famous for its dairy products, and you'll no doubt sample the butter (this is one of the few places in France where one is encouraged to butter bread) and cheeses, especially the three Normands ("les trois Normands") camembert, pont l'eveque, and livarot. 2. Caen- This city was rubble after the bombings of WWII. The Caen Memorial is easily the best of the WWII museums. There are many WWII museums throughout Normandy, and some are almost tacky, with only a handful of old pictures and a few old uniforms and medals. This one is first class and tells the story of the events leading up to WWII and the Battle of Normandy. The film is also first rate and shows the American and German sides preparing for the invasion and then after the battles began. There is also a display honoring Nobel Peace Prize winners. One can easily spend half a day at this museum. Downtown Caen is also very pleasant, especially the pedestrian street with its many shops and cafes. One can also visit the chateau, constructed by William the Conqueror, and several impressive abbeys and churches. 3. Bayeux- This city was not badly damaged in WWII as the Germans retreated to defend Caen. The cathedral is imposing and is among the top gothic cathedrals in France. The main attraction in the town, however, is the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This remarkable work, commissioned shortly after the conquests of England in 1066, tells the story of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings. It was originally meant to hang in the cathedral. It is only 19 inches high, but its length is 203 ft. It is remarkably well preserved. Be sure to see the film, and rent an audio player to use while viewing the tapestry to get the most out of your visit. 4. Omaha Beach/American Cemetery- For Americans, this is hallowed ground. People from other countries, Canada and Britain, for example, might prefer to visit the sectors of their soldiers, such as Sword, Gold and Juno beaches which are several miles to the east. There are numerous British, Canadian, German, and other cemeteries throughout Normandy as well. I was originally not excited to visit the American cemetery, thinking it would be a deflating experience. However, when one sees the fabulous white marble headstones and the meticulously kept grounds (the grounds are owned and maintained by the U.S. government) it is clear that there is huge respect for our fallen countrymen. To understand what these men did and the ultimate sacrifice they made in France makes one proud. The largest of the two American cemeteries at Colleville-surMer looks directly over Omaha Beach. (The other is at St. James, farther to the west, and is also worth a visit, although not many people go there. It's about half the size of Colleville and unique in its own way). Leaving the parking lot at 44
Colleville, one can see a small monument to the American 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red 1, which was responsible for that sector on D-Day. This is also worth a quick visit. The best way to truly understand what happened at Omaha is to take a tour with an expert. We have used the services of Col. Oliver Warman, British Army Retired. Col. Warman will take you to places must tours don't visit, and he has intimate stories about what took place there on D-Day, when several thousand American soldiers lost their lives (the official figure is in the hundreds). He'll take you from the hills overlooking the beaches down to the beaches themselves and explain how effective the German defenses were, especially the 12 machine gun nests that spanned Omaha. 5. Arromanches- It was here that a huge artificial floating port was erected. The Germans knew the Allies would need a large port, and all of those in France were heavily defended. The sections of the port were constructed in England and were floated across the English channel just after D-Day. The museum has an excellent model of the port and a good film. There is also a 360 degree theater on the hill overlooking the town. This film is one of my favorites, and it show scenes of the area, both during the Battle of Normandy and then contrasted with how they look today. 6. Pointe du Hoc- At this strategic location American Rangers scaled the cliff walls on D-Day. There are bomb craters everywhere, destroyed German bunkers, and one gets a feeling of how difficult the fighting must have been. There were many casualties, and the Americans were almost driven back over the cliffs, but for some still unknown reason the Germans pulled the big guns back from the point to the rear. These were found unguarded by an American patrol, and they were quickly destroyed. If you take a tour with Col. Warman, as described above, he can take you here as well, and his perspective and stories about this location are more than worth the price. 7. Utah Beach- I was surprised to learn that the fighting here was much less intense than at Omaha, and the number of casualties here on D-Day was low, only about 15 KIA before noon. It is, however, a big part of the American D-Day story and therefore worth some time. The museum is reasonably good as well, and the grounds, again owned and maintained by the U.S. government, are well kept. 8. Mont St. Michel- This spectacular setting on the border between Normandy and Brittany is one of the most popular tourist locations in Europe. The island village is dominated by the cathedral at the top. At certain times of the year the tides are high enough to surround the island by the sea. If possible, spend a night on the island itself, and you'll have a chance to wander around without the normal crowds. The shops are mostly tourist traps, but Mont St. Michel is worth a day. There are hikes and horse-back excursions one can take as well. The above general itinerary goes from east to west and will take nearly a week. There are of course other venues in Normandy to visit. The eight listed above, however, will give you a fulfilling experience, and upon completion you'll be able 45
to say that you have truly experienced and understand the culture and significance of this outstanding region. Walt Ballenberger is founder of Beaux Voyages, which provides active tours in France including bike tours (not motorbikes) in Normandy and other regions, wine tours, and Tour de France bike tours. He has lived and worked in France and speaks the language fluently. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Normandy
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46
France‘s Weather – charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to Meteo France Paris Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
2.5
6.9
53.7
10.2
Feb
2.8
8.2
43.7
9.3
Mar
5.1
11.8
48.5
10.4
Apr
6.8
14.7
53.0
9.4
May
10.5
19.0
65.0
10.3
Jun
13.3
21.8
54.6
8.6
Jul
15.5
24.4
63.1
8.0
Aug
15.4
24.6
43.0
6.9
Sep
12.5
20.8
54.7
8.5
Oct
9.2
15.8
59.7
9.5
Nov
5.3
10.4
51.9
9.7
Dec
3.6
7.8
58.7
10.7
Marseille Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
3.0
11.2
53.6
6.1
Feb
3.9
12.6
43.5
5.1
Mar
6.0
15.3
40.4
4.8
Apr
8.5
17.7
57.9
6.3
May
12.6
22.2
41.2
4.9
Jun
16.0
26.1
25.4
3.5
Jul
18.7
29.5
12.6
1.4
Aug
18.7
29.2
31.4
3.1
Sep
15.5
25.3
60.6
4.1
Oct
11.6
20.3
85.4
6.3
Nov
6.8
14.7
50.6
5.2
4.1 12.0 52.0 5.6 Dec Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Where to stay in France La Petit Charrue, Beganne, Brittany La Petite Charrue, our charming south Brittany B&B, is situated on the edge of small village called Béganne, in the department of Morbihan. The village is well supplied with bars, tabacs and a restaurant and our nearest major town is Redon. The small town of Allaire, which again has bars, tabacs and restaurants, is within 10 minutes from us. We offer three comfortable bedrooms: two doubles with ensuite, plus a twin room directly opposite the main bathrooom. The bedrooms all have tea and coffee making facilities.
Perfect Stopover after or before your St Malo Crossing Telephone 0033 299918123 Website Email
Garage Parking for Motorbikes La Petit Charrue, 6 Rue Des Hortensais, Bellion 56350 Beganne
La Croix du Reh, Chateauneuf –la-Forêt, Limousin A True Biker Friendly B&B A warm welcome and good food await you at this delightful early 17th century manor house in the heart of region Limousin, the French lake district. LA CROIX DU REH is situated in the village of Châteauneuf-la-Forêt, about 35km east of the city of Limoges. Its location is perfect to explore the fabulous local roads – perfect for a bike ride, the French countryside and lakes, or as a stop-over en-route to Spain.
Telephone (0033) 555 69 75 37 or (0033) 661 73 42 11 Website Email
We have 5 en-suite bedrooms of differing capacity, which are suitable for single travellers or groups of up to 18 people. Secure off road and garaged parking available. Departing guests can be supplied with a forecast of the weather for their destination. La Croix du Reh 23 Av. Amedée Tarrade, 87130, Châteauneuf - la Forêt
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Come in and make yourself at home! When you think of the "sweet life", do you imagine a vacation in the South of France? Well if so, where better to get a taste for this fabulous region than at La Dolce Vita guest house and Table d'hôte, located in the heart of the sleepy village of Azille in Languedoc-Roussillon. Our four guesthouse rooms (Moroccan, BoudoirMinervois, Safari & Mosaic), as well as our gîte ("The Bazaar") have been lovingly decorated and are available for rent all year round, including all major holidays.
Website Email
Chalet Le Chapeau Bleu, Midi Pyrenees Lovely Bed and Breakfast accommodating up to 13 guests, with outstanding views of the Pyrenees countryside and mountains. Perfectly located for bikers. Situated 20 minutes from Bagneres de Luchon, the "Queen of the Pyrenees" in an area of breathtaking scenery, 20 minutes from Saint Bertrand de Comminges, the highest "City of Art and History" in the central Pyrenees area and just 7 minutes from the border of Spain in the Val d'Aran. Close to Col de Mente, Col d’Aspet, Col de Portillon, Porte de Bales and Col de Peyresourde.
Telephone (0033) 5 61 89 55 72 Website Email We Speak English & French
The chalet is located 1km outside the village of Saint Beat (map) in a beautiful, peaceful and natural setting, with superb views of the Pic de Gar. Ideally situated for exploring the outstanding natural countryside and wildlife. A lovely spacious garden with three drives offering ample parking for our guests.
Chalet Le Chapeau Bleu, St Beat, Midi Pyrenees
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Les Ballastières, 156 rue du Moulin, 62130 Gauchin Verloingt, St Pol-surTernoise, Pas de Calais
Email Us
Bike-friendly B&B run by bikers, Paul & Sue
Within easy reach from Calais, Boulogne and Dunkerque, Les Ballastières, an old farmhouse, stands in 6 acres bordering the river Ternoise. We are within walking distance of the town of St Pol and only 5 minutes from the race track at Croix-en-Ternois. There are many historic sites and medieval towns in this beautiful area of the 7 Valleys - with some great roads for riding! In addition to our four comfortable rooms (two double ensuites and two twin-bedded rooms) we offer The Hayloft, indoor-camping, dormitory style, for both groups and individuals, and also have a self-contained studio, The Olde Forge, adapted for wheelchairs, but suitable for all. Other facilities include: Secure and garaged parking Drying room, workshop and large games room.
Visit Our Website
Les Ballastières, 156 rue du Moulin, 62130 Gauchin Verloingt, St Pol-sur-Ternoise, Pas de Calais
0033-(0)3.21.04.72.16
Forest View Leisure Breaks L’Esperance, Dorceau
Gité - B&B - Camping – Caravanning Forest View is situated in the unspoilt countryside of the Perche Valley in the Orne region of Lower Normandy, France. Owned by an English family, and set in 10 acres, including a 1.5 acre lake, situated next to the forest. The Perche Valley sits within a regional park, great for scenic rides through the forest.
Email Us
Cote d‘azur
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Forest View is approximately 5 minutes ride to the nearest town, Remalard. It’s an atmospheric, small town offering shops, bars, restaurants and also a nice little supermarket. We are just 45 minutes from Le Mans. The site is open all year round
0033(0)233254527
Hotel de la Verrerie This small, friendly, English, family run 2 star Hôtel is perfectly situated higher up in the quieter back hills that overlook Cannes Bay and the Mediterranean. Bikers have always used our convenient location and are always given a warm welcome. Everything precious to you is available – storage, cleaning, and of course your bike security. We are off the main road in a culde-sac, have a gated entrance, which is always locked and we are always present. For Bikers, the approach to the ancient Massif village of Les Adrets de l‘Esterel is via stimulating winding roads giving tantalising glimpses of the Mediterranean along the way. We provide the perfect central hub for an abundance of recognised rides throughout the area, our clients usually arriving after taking the famous Route Napoleon
Telephone
+(33)(0)4 94 40 93 51
Website
http://www.laverrerie.com/
reservations@laverrerie.com
Biarritz Hôtel de l'Océan A DREAMY LOCATION Family-run partly refurnished hotel faces quiet semi pedestrian Sainte-Eugenie Square. Easy access to underground public car parc. Ideally suited for families, toursits, and business travellers to fully exploit whatever Biarritz can offer : A few minutes walk to chic luxury shops, casinos, marine museum and aquarium, reknowned sandy beaches (favorite of swimmers and surfers). Breathtaking panorama.
Telephone
0559240327
Website
http://www.biarritz-hotel-ocean.com/fr/accueil-fr.phtml
hotelocean.btz@wanadoo.fr
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51
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in France
Motorcycle Hire in France All prices in â‚Ź (Euros) unless stated, and for guidance only, all bikes subject to availability
Motorcycle HD Electra Glide HD Road King HD Heritage Softail HD Night Rod HD Sportster 883
Per 3 7 day Days Days 290
860 1570
260
780 1375
230
695 1075
200
610
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690
Germany Tourism has grown since the war, with the country claiming 7th place in the world‘s ‗most visited‘ chart. Let‘s not forget that this is the land of Goethe, Mendelssohn and Bach. The history is rich, the landscape is varied and the people are friendly. As a holiday destination, the country takes some beating. Although sunshine isn‘t guaranteed, as is the case in the south of Europe, there are plenty of other attractions. Berlin is a fantastic city to visit, especially in springtime. The historical centre of the city is replete with Prussian splendour. Unter den Linden has many well known, historical buildings. The Brandenburg Gate is well worth a visit, as is the cathedral. As you would expect of any major city, there are numerous restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The Rhine River, one of Europe‘s major arteries, has been a favourite destination for many years. Rising in the Alps, it passes through Switzerland, Germany, France and Holland before arriving at the North Sea. The Moselle meets the Rhine at Koblenz, close to the historic fortress town of Boppard. West from Koblenz along the Moselle to Trier is the oldest city in Germany and the fortress city of Constantine the Great built around 100 AD. Its Roman heritage boasts many impressive structures including the huge intact Basilica which was the throne room of Constantine. The Moselle and the Rhine north from Koblenz to Cologne form borders of the Eifel mountain region that offers a warm welcome to touring bikers and embraces the F1 Motor racing circuits of the Nürburgring and Spa Francorchamps. (Accommodation near the Nürburgring) Cologne could provide an interesting stop-over, with its chocolate museum and huge Gothic Cathedral. Munich hosts one of the most famous events in Germany, if not the world. The Oktoberfest runs for some sixteen days annually, and receives over six million visitors who consume huge amounts of beer and sausages. Other delicacies on offer are roast pork, grilled fish, potato and bread dumplings, cheese noodles and sauerkraut. Another world famous event is The Passion Play at Oberammergau. In 1633, many villagers perished when the plague descended upon Oberammergau. The survivors pledged to re-enact the story of Christ‘s death and resurrection, in order to avoid a repetition of the tragedy. Despite wars and other complications, the play has taken place every ten years since 1634, and so far the plague has not returned. Running from May through to October, the play attracts half a million visitors. The actors are chosen from Oberammergau and the surrounding villages, in order to maintain the solemn tradition. The play runs from 2.30pm until 10.30pm, with a break for dinner at 5pm. 53
Germany has many fine beaches, historical cities, dramatic rivers and spectacular countryside, and as you would expect, the road connections are superb. German autobahns do not have a speed limit, but are quite often marked by blue, recommended speed signs. These usually show 130km/h. The minimum driving age in Germany is 18 and riding whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated. You must carry with you your licence, vehicle registration document and certificate of insurance. If you are riding a bike which doesn‘t belong to you, carry a letter of permission from the registered owner. It is advisable to carry spare bulbs and a small first aid kit. Fines are on the spot and can be levied for a myriad of offences, including running out of petrol on the autobahn. If you are fined, make sure you get a receipt. Headlamp convertors are compulsory. Currency
Euro
Emergency Numbers Ambulance, Fire & Police
112
Hoslwang, Bavaria
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Where to go in Germany The Eifel Region The Eifel is a low mountain range occupying parts of North Rhine-Westphalia and North-western Rhineland-Palatinate. It is bordered by the river Moselle in the south and the Rhine in the east. Volcanic activity had produced bizarre rock formations and steep vineyard terraces, which produce some of the best red wines in Germany. The famous Nürburgring is situated here too. . (Motorcycle friendly accommodation near here).
The Black Forest Located in the south-west of Germany, close to the French border in BadenWuerttemberg, the Black Forest is a wooded mountain range with great biking roads. Its highest peak is Feldberg at 1,493 metres. The Schwarzwaldhochstraße is a 65 kilometre, high altitude, panoramic road from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, which winds up to the peak of Bühlerhöhe, before continuing alongside the mountain. The views are tremendous. Berlin Whether you‘re looking for culture, history, beer or music, Berlin is going to have something for you. It‘s worth visiting solely to see the small section of wall that still stands. Unter den Linden is the throbbing heart of the city, running from the River Spree to the magnificent Brandenberg Gate. Bavaria Germany‘s largest state is famous for its beer and sausages; sounds good doesn‘t it. The Oktoberfest is world famous and attracts visitors from around the globe. The region also features wonderful countryside and fabulous castles such as the one at Neuschwanstein. The picturesque Franconian Wine Country covers a part of northern Bavaria and is wonderful to ride through. Reach it by following the River Main between Spessart, Rhoen and Steigerwald. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in this area.
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Germany‘s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to Deutscher Wetterdienst Berlin Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
2.9
42.3
10.0
4.2
33.3
8.0
1.3
8.5
40.5
9.1
4.2
13.2
37.1
7.8
May
9.0
18.9
53.8
8.9
Jun
12.3
21.6
68.7
9.8
Jul
14.3
23.7
55.5
8.4
Aug
14.1
23.6
58.2
7.9
Sep
10.6
18.8
45.1
7.8
Oct
6.4
13.4
37.3
7.6
Nov
2.2
7.1
43.6
9.6
Dec
-0.4
4.4
55.3
11.4
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
-1.9
Feb
-1.5
Mar Apr
Munich Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
-3.7
2.7
48.0
10.0
Feb
-3.2
4.3
45.2
8.6
Mar
0.1
9.0
57.7
10.5
Apr
2.8
12.5
69.9
10.9
May
7.2
18.0
93.4
11.6
Jun
10.4
20.5
127.6
13.8
Jul
12.6
23.1
131.6
12.0
Aug
12.3
23.0
110.5
11.4
Sep
8.9
18.8
86.3
9.6
Oct
4.7
13.2
65.4
9.1
Nov
0.2
6.9
71.0
10.7
-2.3 3.7 60.8 11.2 Dec Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Cologne Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall (mm)
Mean Number of Rain Days
5.2
60.4
11.9
-0.9
6.6
46.6
9.3
Mar
1.7
10.5
62.5
12.5
Apr
3.6
14.2
50.5
10.2
May
7.7
19.0
72.4
10.4
Jun
10.7
21.3
87.6
11.6
Jul
12.8
23.7
86.0
11.2
Aug
12.3
23.7
65.3
9.4
Sep
9.6
19.6
69.3
10.7
Oct
6.2
14.6
61.7
10.5
Nov
2.5
9.0
63.2
11.9
Dec
0.6
6.2
70.7
12.9
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
-0.7
Feb
Leipzig Mean Temperature oC Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
-1.9
3.2
30.9
8.1
Feb
-2.0
4.1
26.7
6.6
Mar
1.2
8.7
36.5
8.0
Apr
3.7
13.0
42.4
7.6
May
8.1
18.6
42.1
8.5
Jun
11.4
21.5
55.1
9.4
Jul
13.3
23.7
58.2
8.8
Aug
13.3
23.9
58.6
8.1
Sep
10.2
19.3
44.5
7.6
Oct
6.0
13.7
35.8
7.3
Nov
1.8
7.2
37.1
7.9
-0.7 4.0 38.9 8.9 Dec Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Where to stay in Germany
Gerolstein is situated in the heart of the Eifel Region of Western Germany, the low mountain range that borders with the Rhine to the East, the Moselle to the South, the Ardennes (Belgian/Luxemburg Border) to the West and south of Aachen and Cologne to the north and is the home of the Nürburgring and Spa Francorchamps.
Visit Our Website
Less than 4 hours ride from Calais and 3 hours from Zeebrugge, Gerolstein’s central location with easy access to the motorways and road network makes it an ideal base for the touring biker . All places of interest within the Eifel region including the Rhine from Cologne to Koblenz and the Moselle from Koblenz to Trier can be reached within a little over an hour ‘s drive regardless of terrain. A motorbike tour of the Eifel holds plenty of excitement on the many steep and winding roads. The area is renowned for biking routes. Of the top 89 routes identified in Germany, 10 are in the Eifel Region with the 23 km route from Gerolstein to Kyllburg very highly rated. Known as the RING, the Nürburgring is only 33km and 30 minutes from our Apartments. The Ring is quite simply, the ultimate riding experience. Visit the Ring and ride the circuit or simply enjoy the experience of a visit. Our luxury 4 star apartments are set in the hillside beneath the Munterley Plateau of the Gerolstein Dolomites with commanding and stunning views across the valley and hills to the mountains beyond. Secure Garage and off road Parking
Alan & 58 Gisela Reynolds offer you a warm BRITISH welcome to the Eifel - the touring biker's paradise.
The Old Doctor’s House Bed and Breakfast
Secure parking in garage or closed courtyard Nuernberger Straße 5 D-97348 Markt Einersheim Frankonia / Germany Phone: 0049 - 9326- 99983 or 99984
Cosiness - Charm – Comfort Markt Einersheim is centrally located between Franconian Wine Country and the Steigerwald Natural Park. The family run house, with its three comfortable guestrooms, is an ideal starting point for discovering Franconia, one of the oldest cultural areas of Germany. Interesting sights which can be reached in less than one hour: * The Romantic Route, starting in the city of Wuerzburg (~ 30 km) * Rothenburg ob der Tauber (~ 55 km) and Dinkelsbuehl (~ 100 km), both along the Romantic Route * Famous cities such as Bamberg (~ 75 km) and Nuremberg (~ 75 km) * The Main River with many medieval little wine towns (~ 10 km) * The historic wine town of Iphofen with its famous Knauf Museum (~ 2 km) * The "Schwanberg" (Swan Hill) with its windy roads, in former times even used for car races (~ 5 km) * Open-air museums in Moenchsondheim (~ 3 km) and Bad Windsheim (~ 30 km) * The "Fraenkische Schweiz" (Franconian Switzerland), an area with wonderful landscapes and perfect roads for riding a motorcycle.
Website
Email us
Berlin Belforter Str. 3 Star-Apartment near Kollwitzplatz, located in the fantastic Prenzlauer Berg area, a former East Berlin neighbourhood which is part of the new city centre. particularly popular with Berlin's Bohemian types thanks to its many little bars, cafes and restaurants, all right next to the apartment. Off road parking
Telephone
+49-30-48496469
Website
http://www.gritta.de/ferienwohnung-berlin/
24510@bandb-ring.de
Back to the Index 59
Dresden Therese-Malten-Villa Holidays in a historical villa – stay with a Dresden family We invite you to spend your visit to Dresden in the neo-renaissance villa, built in 1893 for the grand opera singer Therese Malten (1853 - 1930), in classy ambiance. In the affectionately restored house are 5 newly renovated guest rooms and an apartment with attached bathrooms and a guest kitchen. We will be happy to serve you a rich breakfast in the mornings of your holidays and organise an individual guided tour on demand, for enabling you to get to know Dresden from its best side. Or you let yourself float on a steamboat of the oldest paddle steamer fleet on the River Elbe. You can spend the night of an eventful day on the balcony or in the big garden, where you can enjoy the views of the river Elbe and the Pillnitz castle. During the cold seasons you can let the day fade away in front of the fireplace. Free parking, garage on request. We would be glad to see you. Ines & Stefan Scharfe Therese-Malten-Villa in Dresden-Kleinzschachwitz Telephone
+49 351 2053521
Website
http://www.dresden-pension.net/eng.htm
post@dresden-pension.net
Bernkastel-Kues Mosel-Ferienwohnung.com Bernkastel-Kues is the beautiful small Mosel Wine City, which has the best Riesling Wines worldwide and a wonderful oldtown, best restaurants, bistros, cafĂŠs. You can visit winemakers and interesting Sightseeing points Trier, Luxembourg, Coblence, Loreley, Nurburgring with Formula 1 Center... We have 8 Holiday Flats for 2 - 8 persons with 1 - 3 doublebed rooms with 1 - 3 bathrooms with shower/WCs best located in the City near supermarkets, vineyards with a fantastic breathtaking view to Castle Landshut and Mosel River Valley. Private Car Park
Telephone
++4965311421
Website
http://www.mosel-ferien.de/
mosel4fewo@aol.com
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Seebach Pension Williams Pension Williams is a small family run hotel located in Seebach in the Black Forest, Germany. We are an English couple who have made this beautiful village our home. We are Biker Friendly and are situated just 5 minutes from the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, the famous B500. This is one of the most popular roads in Germany for motorcyclists due to its twists and turns and magnificent views. There are also many kilometers of other well maintained quiet roads, ideal for touring and getting off the beaten track. You will find plenty of places along the way for coffee and a slice of Black Forest Gateau! We have safe, allocated parking by the front door for bikes, a warm cellar for drying your clothes on a wet day and there is a motorcycle repair garage in the area with English speaking staff. Private Parking
Telephone
0049 7842 2853
Website
http://www.pension-williams.com/
info@pension-williams.de
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61
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Germany
Visit Our Website
Daily
Weekly
Harley Electra Glide €219 €1090 BMW R1200GS €179 €810 Yamaha YZF-R6 €139 €679 Ninja 250 €65 €400 BMW F800GS €139 €679 Plus many, many more. Visit our website for complete list.
Reductions for extra weeks
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62
We have been renting motorcycles since 1987 From small choppers to sport bikes to big touring bikes - we offer beginners, hobby, tour, chopper and sports riders a choice of approximately 50 motorcycles. Rental helmets, rain gear, saddlebags, tank bags, cases and navigation systems are also available. We will equip you with everything you need, no matter what kind of tour you are planning.
Max-Holder-Str. 5 60437 Frankfurt Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)69 - 56 00 92 0
Great Britain Despite a tremendously strong national identity, it is only 8,000 years ago that Great Britain was joined to mainland Europe by a strip of low marshland which now forms part of North-eastern France. Remains of animal species which date back to 7150 B.C. have been found in Cheddar Gorge. These remains have been proved to be native to the mainland, proving that animal crossed between Europe and Britain. During the Iron Age, Britain was inhabited by a group speaking a Celtic language. What is now England and Wales was conquered by Rome and became the province of Britannia. After the fall of the Roman Empire, and over a period of time, the Britons in the south and east of the island were conquered by various invading armies, such as the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. Around this same time, the Scots invaded from Ireland, absorbing the Picts and Britons of the north, and in the 9th century, the Kingdom of Scotland was born. Parts of Southern Scotland were settled by the Angles and became the Kingdom of Northumbria. Eventually, the people of South East Britain became known as the English (Angles). Speakers of Germanic languages referred to the Britons as Welsh, a name which ultimately was applied to the people of what is now Wales. After various invasions and conquests, including that of the Danes, England was unified after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when the conquering Normans introduced took control. Wales came under Anglo-Norman control in 1282, and was officially annexed to England in 1282. In 1604, King James proclaimed himself as king of Great Brittaine, France and Ireland and in 1707 the parliaments of England and Scotland joined to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. In 1801, under a new Act of Union, Ireland joined to create the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, however in 1922, the Irish Free State was formed. The modern day United Kingdom is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These days, it‘s not uncommon to find yourself in heavy traffic, especially in the south east around London and near other major cities, but there are areas that are still ideal for biking. The Snowdonia National Park in Wales is one of the most unspoilt parts of Britain, whilst Scotland boasts many good biking roads. The area around Loch Lomond is particularly beautiful, but can be fairly busy during the tourist season. Speed and distances are measured in miles and motorists drive on the left. Urban areas carry a 30mph limit and motorways a 70mph limit. Motorways are patrolled by the police in both marked and unmarked cars and speed cameras are very common on all roads, although easily identifiable.
63
You must be at least 17 years of age to drive/ride on British roads, even if you hold a licence from your own country. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a definite no-no in Britain. Be warned, the penalties are severe. In London there is a congestion charge in force during certain hours of the day. As you enter the zone, your number plate will be photographed and you will have until the following day to pay. As parts of Britain are highly populated, traffic congestion is commonplace.
Currency
Pound
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Police
999
Snowdonia, Wales
Back to the Index 64
Where to go in Great Britain Scotland Perthshire Situated in the very heart of Scotland, makes a great base for a motorcycle tour. Glasgow or Edinburgh can be reached in around an hour from most parts of Perthshire, but the contrast couldn‘t be more different. Towns and places to visit in Perthshire include Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon, Auchterarder, Gleneagles and the Ochils, Blairgowrie and East Perthshire, Crieff, Comrie and Strathearn, Dunkeld and Birnam, Kinross-shire and Loch Leven, the Fair City of Perth, Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire, and some of the most scenic Scottish glens. (Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Perthshire). Loch Lomond Loch Lomond, possibly the world‘s most famous loch, is 24 miles long and five miles wide and provides some of the best scenery you could wish for. The main tourist area of the loch is to be found on the western shore along the A82 road and also in the south at Balloch. The Scottish Highlands Definitely a summer destination, but breathtakingly beautiful, the Scottish Highlands make for a perfect motorcycle tour.
Wales Snowdonia National Park Besides the highest mountain in Wales, there are 100 lakes in The Snowdonia National Park. Add to that 37 miles of beautiful coastline and you have the recipe for a great motorcycle tour. Snowdonia is well known for its spectacular scenery; there are more than 90 summits above 2,000 feet. Pembrokeshire Coast Natinal Park This is the only national park which is mainly coastline, which of course means great scenery. This stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world. The national park covers around 240 square miles.
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Anglesey If you fancy a little island hop, try the ancient Anglesey. Two thousand years ago, the Romans occupied the island and built an imposing fort overlooking the harbour at Holyhead. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Anglesey
England East Anglia The flatlands of Britain, East Anglia gives a sense of space and freedom which can compliment a motorcycle tour really well, especially if you‘ve already visited more mountainous regions such as Snowdonia in Wales. The land has been reclaimed from the sea by means of many drainage projects, which began during the Middle Ages. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in East Anglia. Kent If you reach England by ferry, you‘ll probably arrive in Kent. Don‘t just pass through; take time to look around the garden of England. Kent has a rich history and has some great beaches, if the weather is good. If you enter via Dover, look out for the famous white cliffs as you approach the port. Some fascinating stopoffs are Canterbury and its cathedral and Leeds Castle. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Kent. Oxfordshire Apart from the wonderful city of Oxford, Oxfordshire has a lot going for it as a base for a motorcycle tour. It‘s easily reachable from the ports and sits in a central position in England, which lends itself to great ride-outs. The Cotswolds are on the doorstep. The River Thames runs through the heart of it and the it has some quintessential old English villages. If you‘re around the Didcot area on a weekend, call in and see the fantastic collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches and wagons at the Didcot Railway Centre. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Oxfordshire.
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66
Great Britain‘s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Met Office London Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
7.2
53
14.8
7.6
36
10.8
3.8
10.3
48
13.4
5.6
13.0
47
12.7
May
8.7
17.0
51
12.5
Jun
11.6
20.3
50
10.5
Jul
13.7
22.3
48
10.1
Aug
13.4
21.9
54
10.9
Sep
11.4
19.1
53
10.5
Oct
8.9
15.2
57
11.6
Nov
5.1
10.4
57
14.0
Dec
3.4
8.2
57
13.2
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
2.4
Feb
2.5
Mar Apr
Edinburgh Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
0.3
6.2
57
17.2
Feb
0.0
6.5
42
13.6
Mar
1.5
8.7
51
16.2
Apr
3.1
11.1
41
14.0
May
5.7
14.2
51
14.4
Jun
8.7
17.3
51
13.3
Jul
10.3
18.8
57
13.1
Aug
10.2
18.5
65
15.2
Sep
8.4
16.2
67
16.5
Oct
5.9
13.2
65
16.7
Nov
2.1
8.7
63
16.3
Dec
0.9
6.9
58
16.3
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
67
Cardiff Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall (mm)
Mean Number of Rain Days
7.1
110
19.1
1.8
7.2
82
14.9
Mar
3.0
9.7
86
16.5
Apr
4.7
12.6
62
12.5
May
7.7
16.1
69
12.0
Jun
10.6
19.2
71
12.2
Jul
12.5
21.1
67
11.1
Aug
12.4
20.5
85
12.4
Sep
10.5
18.0
94
14.8
Oct
8.1
14.3
108
16.7
Nov
4.5
10.2
111
16.9
Dec
2.9
8.1
116
17.8
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
2.0
Feb
Exeter Mean Temperature oC Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
2.0
8.0
93
17.8
Feb
2.0
8.0
71
13.7
Mar
2.9
10.2
61
15.3
Apr
4.4
12.7
50
12.9
May
7.1
15.8
54
13.1
Jun
10.1
19.1
47
10.8
Jul
12.0
21.0
45
9.7
Aug
11.7
20.8
54
11.5
Sep
9.9
18.4
57
12.4
Oct
7.7
15.0
73
15.3
Nov
4.1
11.0
72
16.2
Dec
2.9
9.0
87
17.0
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
68
Where to stay in Great Britain The Eiders, Aylmerton, Norfolk The Eiders Bed & Breakfast is set in 2 acres of woodland garden which is found at the top of a tree lined driveway where there is extensive off road parking,
Telephone 010091
01263 837280 & 07554
James & Caroline Jarvis offer you a warm welcome in our recently refurbished property, and provide you high quality ground floor en-suite facilities, our guest rooms are individually designed (3 with balconies which overlook out beautiful pond with our resident ducks). The Bed & Breakfast is entirely separate from proprietors accommodation and consist of, Luxury, Double, Twin and Family Rooms each with modern (Powerful Showers) ensuite.
Website
Ideally placed for coastal towns of Cromer, Sheringham, Hunstanton (25 miles) and Yarmouth (30 Miles) Perfect for ‗Ride-Outs‘ along the beautiful coast roads.
email us
Large, secure motorcycle garage available. The Eiders , Holt Road, Aylmerton, Norfolk
Crockshard Farmhouse, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent
Telephone 01227 720464 Website email us
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Ideally located for visiting any part of Kent or Northern France. Full English breakfast served daily in our Farmhouse kitchen Tastefully decorated rooms Friendly, family atmosphere
Battledown Bed & Breakfast, Perth, Scotland Battledown is a quiet, comfortable cottage in a rural village. All 3 bedrooms are on the ground floor and all have en-suite facilities, RcTVs, hair driers and hospitality trays. There are good local eating establishments nearby. We are 7 miles from Perth, 45 minutes from Edinburgh, 1 hour from Glasgow and 25 minutes from Dundee. So why stay in a busy, noisy city when you could stay in peaceful, tranquil Forgandenny and visit these places.
Telephone 01738 812471 Website Email
We have a garage and drying area for the bikes and clothes, all off road and very safe. We are also happy to drive you to a local eating place (nearest 3 miles), when you have escaped from your leathers and want to be more comfortable.
Resident proprietors Ian and Ruth Dunsire offer you a warm welcome. Battledown , Forgandenny, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 9EL
The Gadlys Country House Hotel, Wales Rural location with sea views. 14 en suite bedrooms with Tea/Coffee and TVs, Laundry, Drying Room, Lounge, Wireless Broadband, Licensed Bar and Restaurant, Gardens, Lawns, Croquet. A family run Hotel, built around 1897, it has operated as such for over 100 years. Recently, extensively and sensitively restored to as near its original condition as possible.
Telephone 01407 710227 Website Email
The Hotel stands within its own five acres of lawns and landscaped gardens on a prominent hillside position overlooking Cemaes Bay, only a short 10 minute walk down a country lane. Off road and garaged parking at no extra cost Also, the use of garage equipment, compressor, tools and power wash.
Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Access The Gadlys Country House Hotel, Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, North Wales LL67 0LH 70
The Grange, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire Located near Culham Science Centre (2miles), Didcot (3 miles), Milton Park (5 miles), Oxford (8 miles), Wallingford (5 miles) and Harwell (6 miles) Our period Georgian village house is set in a large walled sunny garden with views of the Wittenham Clumps - a well known Oxfordshire landmark. Long Wittenham is an ancient village on the banks of the River Thames. It has two village pubs with good food and wine.
Telephone 01865 407808 www.grangebb.com graham@grangebb.com
All the bedrooms including two new en-suites have recently been refurbished to an extremely high standard. All rooms have washbasins, television (50 channels), tea and coffee making facilities (including biscuits!). Ample parking-Garaged parking for motorcycles Free wifi / wireless internet The Grange, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire Graham & Cherry Neil
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71
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Great Britain
Bikehiredirect.co.uk is a trading name of Lloyd Cooper - Motorcycles Direct, a company established in 1900 and based in Watford, Hertfordshire. We specialise in the hire, sales, servicing and repairs of motorcycles and have won national awards for our levels of customer service. Our hire range consists of some of the latest models from Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki, as well as models from Harley Davidson and various 125cc manufacturers. We offer motorcycles for hire for a long weekend, weekly or even monthly basis. All of our motorcycle hire prices include fully comprehensive insurance, VAT, road tax, maintenance, servicing and valeting. Please contact our sales team on 01923 221125 for any further information or to book a motorcycle for hire. Delivery & Collection Service (Charges apply) You can make hiring a motorcycle from bikehiredirect.co.uk even easier by taking advantage of our delivery service. Please call the sales team on 01923 221125 for further information or to obtain a quote. Learner Riders We have 125cc motorcycles available for hire at all times. This type of hire is especially useful for learners to gain further experience inbetween taking their CBT and full bike test.
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72
India The subcontinent of India lies in south Asia, between Pakistan, China and Nepal. To the north it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain, where foothill valleys cover the northernmost of the country's 26 states. Further south, plateaus, tropical rain forests and sandy deserts are bordered by palm fringed beaches. Side by side with the country's staggering topographical variations is its cultural diversity, the result of the coexistence of a number of religions as well as local tradition. Thus, the towering temples of south India, easily identifiable by their ornately sculptured surface, are associated with a great many crafts and performing arts of the region. Traffic conditions are at best, chaotic and drivers are often reckless, with cows taking priority. You, being on two wheels, need to take great care in cities. The best advice you could take, is to limit your riding to rural situations. Many of you will be going on an organised tour, so these problems shouldn‘t arise, but be aware that motorists in India think nothing of overtaking on a blind bend, or joining the road from a side track without stopping, so be on your guard and keep your headlight on even though you will be flashed by oncoming vehicles. Unfortunately, it‘s not unusual to come across a motorist who has been drinking, so once again, be careful and ride defensively. Other hazards could be crops, sand or other various piles sitting in the road without warning signs or a cow or even a person lying in the road. Major roads can be congested with lorries and buses that give no quarter, so it could be a good idea to stick to the minor routes. Helmets are not required everywhere, but it would be a brave man who travelled without one. A small first aid kit could be reassuring, but when it comes to serious accidents, you may find that there is no ambulance service; it really depends where you are at the time, so it‘s best to stay out of trouble. Currency
Rupee
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
102
Fire
101
Police
100
73
Where to go in India Kerala Kerala‘s mild climate and fabulous beaches make it one of Asia‘s top tourist destinations. The National Geographic Traveller described it as one of the thirteen paradises of the world. As well as the beaches, you‘ll find lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Kashmir and Jammu The valley of Kashmir is marked by beautiful lakes, lush green forests, mountains and fresh water streams, which added together make a truly aweinspiring picture. With a backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal range, Jammu lies at the place where the dusty plains of the Punjab give way to the mighty Himalayan range. Peppered with historic temples, the city of Jammu is named in honour of a powerful local chieftain who ruled in the ninth century.
Uttar Pradesh Within Uttar Pradesh is Agra; internationally famous as being the home of the Taj Mahal, but this royal city offers many other points of interest which epitomise Mughal architecture. Uttar Pradesh also has many hill stations such as Mussoorie and Nainital, the latter being situated around a picturesque lake. Its colourful markets and cottages make it a wonderful place to pause.
Goa If it‘s white beaches, palm trees and a laid back attitude that attract you, look no further than Goa. This former Portuguese colony enjoys perfect biking weather.
Back to the Index 74
India‘s Weather – charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the India Meteorological Department New Dehli Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
21.1
20.3
1.7
10.1
24.2
15.0
1.3
Mar
15.4
30.0
15.8
1.2
Apr
21.5
36.2
6.7
0.9
May
25.9
39.6
17.5
1.4
Jun
28.3
39.3
54.9
3.6
Jul
26.6
35.1
231.5
10.0
Aug
25.9
33.3
258.7
11.3
Sep
24.4
33.9
127.8
5.4
Oct
19.5
32.9
36.3
1.6
Nov
12.8
28.3
5.0
0.1
Dec
8.2
23.0
7.8
0.6
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
7.3
Feb
Goa Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
19.6
31.6
0.2
0.0
Feb
20.5
31.5
0.1
0.0
Mar
23.2
32.0
1.2
0.1
Apr
25.6
33.0
11.8
0.8
May
26.3
33.0
112.7
4.2
Jun
24.7
30.3
868.2
21.9
Jul
24.1
28.9
994.8
27.2
Aug
24.0
28.8
518.7
13.3
Sep
23.8
29.5
251.9
13.5
Oct
23.8
31.6
124.8
6.2
Nov
22.3
32.8
30.9
2.5
Dec
20.6
32.4
16.7
0.4
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
75
Mumbai Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
30.6
0.6
0.1
17.3
31.3
1.5
0.1
Mar
20.6
32.7
0.1
0.0
Apr
23.7
33.1
0.6
0.1
May
26.1
33.3
13.2
1.0
Jun
25.8
31.9
574.1
14.9
Jul
24.8
29.8
868.3
24.0
Aug
24.5
29.3
553.0
22.0
Sep
24.0
30.1
306.4
13.7
Oct
23.1
32.9
62.9
3.2
Nov
20.5
33.4
14.9
1.1
Dec
18.2
32.0
5.6
0.4
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
16.4
Feb
Lucknow Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
6.9
22.6
21.9
1.6
Feb
9.3
26.0
11.2
1.1
Mar
14.2
32.2
7.7
0.7
Apr
20.5
38.1
4.9
0.5
May
24.7
40.5
16.5
1.0
Jun
27.1
38.7
107.4
4.2
Jul
26.1
33.6
294.3
11.6
Aug
25.6
32.5
313.9
13.1
Sep
24.3
33.0
180.6
7.4
Oct
19.0
32.5
45.2
2.0
Nov
11.8
28.9
3.8
0.3
Dec
7.4
24.1
7.3
0.7
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
76
Where to stay in India Agra Col lamba Indian Home Stay We are Indian Home Stay consisting of 7 air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. As desired by you we have sufficient parking space with secured enclosures and washing facilities. We have been approved by Department of Tourism for the last three years. Fortunately we have been patronised by travel trade and direct clientele worldwide particularly Europeans. We serve American and Indian breakfast as well as family vegetarian meals. We are located south east of Agra and only 3 kms away from the TAJ MAHAL and AGRA Fort. Booking can be done directly by the clients on our E.mail and payment can be made on arrival. Our Tariff is as follows:- Single room INR 1100/- on CPAI Double room INR 1320/- on CPAI Extra bed INR 660/- on CPAI We also provide guided tour in and around AGRA.
Telephone
91 0562 3298921
Website
http://www.agra-indianhomestay.com/
lambaindianhomestay@yahoo.co.in
Udaipur Deluxe & Super Deluxe Rooms ―Shilpi Resort‖ – Located ideally in very quiet and peaceful atmosphere amidst lush green foliage, with the backdrop of the Aravali hills, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped Gardens. It is an ideal venue for those who want to enjoy a peaceful holidays and Corporate Conferences There are 22 elegantly furnished Air - Conditioned Rooms with attached balconies offering tranquil sights of Swimming Pool & landscaped Garden. The Rooms at the resort are designed with touch of class and equipped with modern amenities. To make the stay comfortable and memorable as well. ―Mayur‖- a multi cuisine Restaurant serves sumptuous Indian, Continental and Chinese varieties.
Telephone
91 294 2434305/06
Website
http://www.shilpiresort.com/
info@shilpiresort.com
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77
Kochi, Kerala Haritha Farm's The Pimenta Rural Kerala has lot of surprises and unexplored still . Here we have a guest house located easily accessible and conveniently locatede. It is in a forest garden where we grow our spices and fruits. We also serve all meals and our prices includes all meals. We also do a Special THREE DAY AND SEVEN DAY COOKING HOLIDAYS (VEGETARAIN) A nice place to take a break while you travel or do cooking.
Telephone
91 485 2260216
Website
http://www.harithafarms.com/
harithafarms@yahoo.com
Wayanad Hiliya Resort Home Stay Hiliya Resort Home Stay is situated at Kenichira, in Wayanad District of Kerala, popularly known as ―Gods Own Country‖ in the tourism and leisure industry. Hiliya Resort Bed and Breakfast is a real experience to stay in a seventy five years old Kerala style heritage Bungalow and tree house surrounded by acres of organic farm with spices and fruit trees. The farm, situated on a river bank, grows cardamom, vanilla, coffee, pepper, ginger, turmeric, coconut, areca nut, rubber, banana, mango, jack fruit, vegetables etc. Across the river is a tropical forest with wild life, animals, birds and a wide spectrum of flora fauna. Hiliya Resort Farm Stay is situated at the middle of Wayanad District, just 12 Kms from Mennangadi Junction on NH 212 between Kalpetta and Sultan Battery on Calicut- Bangalore Highway. Accommodation is provided in family suite, deluxe room, dormitory or tree house to the choice of the customer subject to availability. Traditional Kerala style menu prepared from organic farm grown products is an added attraction. Recreation activities include badminton and indoor games. Our friendly staff will provide you a homely atmosphere and English-speaking guides take you around to various Wayanad tourist spots for site seeing and adventure. Due to our unique location and ability to provide quality services Hiliya Resort Home Stay has emerged as a leading name in Wayanad –Kerala tourism. Tourist attractions:Edakkal caves, Kuruva island, Chembra peak, Meenmutty water falls, Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, Banasura sagar dam, Chain tree, Wayanad heriatge museum, pookote lake, Thirunelli temple, pakhipathalam etc etc. For booking contact: george@hiliyaresort.com
Telephone
91 493 6211575
Website
http://www.hiliyaresort.com/
george@hiliyaresort.com
Back to the Index 78
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in India
WHY US? We offer Other Metro drop (One Way Hires) between Metros possible. We We We We We
offer brand new bikes. specialize in AVL500cc Enfield bikes. have a very well maintained fleet. offer free hotel booking and free airport pickup for hires of more than 2 weeks at Mumbai. also offer pilot service out of Mumbai & Kolkata for a small fee.
And most of all we are prompt in our communication. You are sure to get a response to your query in less than one business day.
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79
Italy The Italian Republic is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe and on the Mediterranean seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s two largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy shares its northern Alpine border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula. Today, Italy is a democratic republic with the eighth-highest quality of life index rating. It is a founding member of what is now the European Union, having signed the Treaty of Rome in 1957. It is also a founding member of Nato) and a member of G8. Most Italian Autostrades are toll roads, so be prepared to pay if you want to make headway. The speed limit is set at 130 km/h, but is lowered to 110 km/h during rainy periods, but whatever the weather, you are obliged to keep your headlight turned on at all times. Other major roads, such as dual carriageways have a speed limit of 110 km/h (90 km/h in the rain). Then there are the minor roads, which carry a speed limit of 90 km/h, reducing to 80km/h wet conditions. In urban situations, the limit is 50 km/h regardless of the prevailing conditions. Speed limits are strictly enforced by means of speed cameras and the fines are heavy. Many roads have emergency telephones located two kilometres apart, so if you do break down, head for the phone and dial 116; the roadside service number. You need to be at least 18 years of age to ride a motorcycle over125cc, although you can ride a moped of up to 50cc from 14, but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t imagine anyone going on tour with one. On the spot fines will be dispensed to anyone using cycle or bus lanes. Always carry your documentation with you; this means your licence, vehicle registration document and insurance certificate. If your driving licence does not have a photograph, you must carry extra photographic identity papers. If you do not have the correct documentation, you will be fined. If you wear spectacles, you must carry a spare pair. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs will attract a fine or even a prison sentence. Random alcohol tests are commonplace and if you are caught over the limit, your bike could be impounded and your licence confiscated. Currency
Euro
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
118
Fire
115
Police
113
80
Where to go in Italy Tuscany Stretching over the Apennines, Tuscany is mainly mountainous, or at the very least hilly, and provides tremendous scenery for a motorcycle tour. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts, largely due to its wonderful countryside, where vineyards and olive groves abound. Piedmont Located in the north-west of Italy bordering France, Piedmont is largely mountainous, with Monte Rosa rising to 4,633 metres. Away from the mountains, you‘ll find many vineyards providing the grapes that go to make wines such as Barolo, Vermouth and Asti Spumanti. Lake Maggiore (pictured) is particularly beautiful. Motorcycle friendly accommodation near here.
Sicily The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has one of the most active volcanoes in the world in Mount Etna. Sicily attracts a huge amount of tourists from both mainland Italy and abroad. This isn‘t surprising considering the wonderful weather and breath-taking scenery. The atmospheric old town of Taormina is a great place to stop for a while. Agrigento, on the southern coast, has some of the best preserved temples from the Ancient-Greek period. Lazio Lazio lies in central Italy on the western coast. Its main city is the capital, Rome. The area was once known to English travellers as Latium, its Roman name and was an important venue on the Grand Tour. Because so much investment and attention is focused on Rome, the rest of the region is quite sparsely populated, which makes for great motorcycle touring country. Lazio is divided into five provinces; Viterbo, Rieti, Rome, Latina and Frosinone. Genoa Costasecca B&B‘s location is ideal to enjoy either the coast and its beaches (East Ligurian Riviera), or the inland area rich in cultural and traditional cuisine (Val Fontanabuona, Val Graveglia and Val d‘ Aveto. 81
Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather â&#x20AC;&#x201C; charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service Rome Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Minimum Maximum
Jan
3.7
12.9
80.7
9.1
Feb
4.4
13.7
74.9
8.3
Mar
5.8
15.3
65.0
7.9
Apr
8.3
18.0
54.7
7.0
May
11.9
22.0
31.8
4.4
Jun
15.6
25.6
16.3
2.4
Jul
18.2
28.6
14.7
1.6
Aug
18.4
28.7
33.3
2.8
Sep
15.8
26.0
68.2
4.5
Oct
12.0
22.0
93.4
7.0
Nov
8.1
17.2
110.5
9.9
Dec
5.1
13.9
89.6
9.0
Cagliari Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
5.7
14.2
45.8
7.9
Feb
6.2
14.7
57.1
7.6
Mar
7.2
16.1
44.1
7.1
Apr
9.1
18.4
37.1
5.9
May
12.3
22.3
23.9
3.6
Jun
16.1
26.6
9.2
1.6
Jul
18.6
29.6
3.2
0.5
Aug
19.1
29.8
8.5
1.2
Sep
17.0
26.9
30.6
3.8
Oct
13.7
22.8
55.6
6.3
Nov
9.5
18.2
56.0
8.3
Dec
6.8
15.1
55.3
8.4
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
Back to the Index 82
Milan Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
-1.9
4.6
64.3
7.2
Feb
0.1
8.2
62.6
6.7
Mar
3.3
13.2
81.6
7.9
Apr
7.0
17.5
82.2
8.3
May
11.2
21.9
96.5
8.1
Jun
15.0
26.1
65.4
7.6
Jul
17.3
28.9
68.0
5.8
Aug
16.7
27.7
93.0
7.1
Sep
13.5
24.3
68.5
5.2
Oct
8.4
18.8
99.7
6.8
Nov
3.6
10.2
101.0
8.5
Dec
-0.9
5.4
60.4
6.3
Florence Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
1.4
10.1
73.1
9.4
Feb
2.8
12.0
69.2
8.4
Mar
4.9
15.0
80.1
8.6
Apr
7.7
18.8
77.5
9.1
May
11.3
23.4
72.6
8.6
Jun
14.7
27.3
54.7
6.3
Jul
17.2
31.1
39.6
3.5
Aug
17.0
30.6
76.1
5.9
Sep
14.2
26.6
77.5
5.7
Oct
10.0
21.1
87.8
7.4
Nov
5.5
14.9
111.2
10.0
Dec
2.4
10.4
91.3
8.8
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Where to stay in Italy LOCANDA MASCHA PARPAJA - IL RIFUGIO DEGLI ELFI A cosy family place to rest on your way up or down the Gardetta plain, easy to reach on your tour of the Piedmontese Alps, comfortable single, double, triple rooms or apartments with a view. Fine Piedmontese and Occitanian cuisine. Private access road where you can park your bike. We provide ideas, support for tours, sandwiches and bar drinks for your day out. Workshop support if needed. Great experience with bikers and passion for bikes. From here you can take many round tours, reach the seaside upper roads, the cannon road between the Varaita and Maira valley and more...or just relax and enjoy yourselves. Infrared sauna available. Contact us for an estimate.
Telephone
0171 998206
Website
http://www.locandaelfi.it/?lingua=en
info@locandaelfi.it
Costasecca B&B
Email Us Visit Our Website 84
"Costasecca" is a lovely area at the foot of Leivi hill, just at the back of Chiavari town along the east coast of Genova close to Portofino. Surrounded by a flowery garden and immersed in typical mediterranean greenery, there is an orange-pink house with its green windows and door, just as child would draw and paint it, and with the smiling sun looking down at the roof. Imagine yourself jumping in a cartoon and knock at the door... you'll have the surprise to be happily welcomed and begin your own tale.
+39 0185302871
"Hilly Italy" is a part of Bel Paese, is a more modest less exposed facet, but more intact and genuine. It is a less well known Italy, one where you can find unspoilt countryside, breath taking sunsets, a harmony of ages past. When was the last time you heard the crowing of a rooster? It is a land of antique traditions, where one can savour the taste of bread with salt and olive oil, home made sausages, along with "granny's" cakes and biscuits , a countryside of a thousand grape vines, and of their delicious wines. This is the Italy that we are inviting you to visit, staying at our recommended B&B's while taking in all the changing sceneries from the Ligurian coast on the North Western shores all the way to Sicily, crossing other Regions as Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany and Umbria as well as Latium. Our B&B's have been hand picked, put together by ourselves, thus along a unique route. Our B&B's are places where you will be cheerfully welcomed and personally cared by your hosts. If you are tired, you will find rest, if you're looking for inspiration, you are sure to find many an idyllic corner where fables and reality meet: the fairies frequent our places. Each of our B&B's has a family feel, and offer 2 or 3 rooms in a family home. All are run by hospitable people who understand the needs of the traveller, have a passion for nature and care for the environment. "
Visit Our Website Email Us
85
Plan your next bike tour around the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hilly Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; circuit.
Tuscany Hotel Le Macinaie Our family managed Hotel has been completely refurbished on July, 1999. It is located in unknown Tuscany, Monte Amiata, where you can enjoy traditional food & wine, family atmosphere, untouched roads and fantastic landscapes. We are pleased to offer 17 warm and confortable rooms, along with our hospitality. Prices for person per night: 36-48 in B&B, 59-72 in Half Board treatment.
Telephone
0564 959001
Website
http://www.lemacinaie.com/english/home.asp
info@lemacinaie.it
Puglia Relais Sant'Eligio & Hostaria Antica Posada An ancient building constructed by the Aragonites, when queen Bona Sforza, in the first half of â&#x20AC;&#x2014;500 imposed to all the coasting cities, to hold the Posta. After a century of abandonment, the post stations returns to live in a RELAIS that is the cherry on the cake of the receptivity of Ostuni. Collocated at the feet of the historic centre, in the shadow of the antique defence walls, it is embraced by the magic whiteness of the ancient town, by the silvery green of one million and a half olive trees, the most ancient of the Mediterranean, by the blue of the sky and de sea and by the splendour of the light of Apulia. The ancient arches in the hall and the restaurant show the structural recovery. An internal court, two spots to spend relaxing moments and a panoramic terrace that leads your eyes to the clear sea, that offer to the guests an exceptional receipt in a unique environment. The rooms: 22 rooms, provided of mini bar, air-conditioning, safe, satellite TV, telephone, internet, assure all the modern comfort, with furniture that preserves the integrity of the ancient structure.
Telephone
0831 334754
Website
http://www.santeligiorelais.it/news.htm
direzione@santeligiorelais.it
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86
Piedmont Trentino Alto Adige Motorbike Hotel Tannenheim Bed an breakfast, half board, free garage for the motorbikes, Touringtips for the area around, specials like Bike-weekends, Women on Wheels, Italobike-weekend, September-special and so on. The highest passes are near to the hotel: Stelvio, Gavia, Bernina, Mortirolo, Ofen, Fl端hela, Tonale, Aprica, Mendel, Gampen, Jaufen, Timmelsjoch, Penserjoch. . . .
Telephone
0473 611704
Website
http://www.motorradsuedtirol.com/web.htm
tannenheim@dnet.it
87
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Italy
Motorcycle Hire in Italy,
Sicily & Sardinia Rental bikes available from Bergamo, Milan and Mandello del Lario for Northern Italy, Rome, Pisa and Florence for Mid Italy and Catania and Palermo for Sicily and southern Italy
All bikes are subject to availability at time of booking, all prices are in EUROS and for guidance only and subject to change without notice. Once you have chosen a bike and dates, we will ascertain availability and provide a fully guaranteed quotation. In all cases a full international motorcycle licence will be required along with 2 further forms of identification, a passport and credit card.
e.mail us
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88
Mexico Mexico is located at about 23° N and 102° Win the southern portion of North America. It is also located in a region known as Middle America. Almost all of Mexico lies in the North American Plate, with small parts of the Baja California peninsula on the Pacific and Cocos Plates. Geophysically, some geographers include the territory east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (around 12% of the total) within Central America. Geopolitically, however, Mexico is considered part of North America along with Canada and the United States. Mexico's total area is 1,972,550 km², making it the world's 14th largest country by total area, and includes approximately 6,000 km² of islands in the Pacific Ocean (including the remote Guadalupe Island and the Revillagigedo Islands), Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of California. On its north, Mexico shares a 3,141 km border with the United States. The meandering Río Bravo del Norte (known as the Rio Grande in the United States) defines the border from Ciudad Juárez east to the Gulf of Mexico. A series of natural and artificial markers delineate the United States-Mexican border west from Ciudad Juárez to the Pacific Ocean. On its south, Mexico shares an 871 km border with Guatemala and a 251 km border with Belize. The Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. This gives Mexico one of the world's most diverse weather systems in the world. One thing you will need in Mexico is Mexican vehicle insurance, as foreign insurance policies are not recognised. If you are going on a n organised tour, this will either have been done for you or brought to your attention. You will also need a valid passport, your vehicle registration documents and your licence. If you are off the main route and see a filling station, use it, because you may not see another one for a while. All filling stations have attendants, but some have no fuel. There have been many cases of lone motorists being robbed in remote areas, so if you can, go with a group of friends. Currency
Mexican Peso
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
066 or 080 or 060
Fire
066 or 080 or 060
Police
066 or 080 or 060
Back to the Index 89
Where to go in Mexico Baja California The Sierra de Baja California is the backbone of the state and a very popular destination for motorcycle tours. The highest point of the Sierras is the Picacho de Diablo. This mountain range separates the weather patterns of the state, the north-west being Mediterranean-like. In the south, the weather is dry and this is where you‘ll find the Vizcaino Desert. The Yucatan Peninsula The Yucatan Peninsula separates The Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea and takes in the states of Campeche, , Quintana Roo and Yucatan. Places such as Tulum, Chichen and Merida will give you a flavour of the real Mexico whilst Chetumal offers incredible white-sand beaches. Southern Mexico Within the state of Veracruz is Mexico‘s highest mountain, El Pico de Orizaba and El Tajin, where you can see the famous Flying Men of Papantla. To the south, in the state of Tabasco, you‘ll find The Cocona Caves. The state of Chiapas is home to some wonderful sights, such as The Lacandona Jungle, The Agua Azul waterfalls and The Sumidero Canyon. You can explore Mayan ruins in Palenque. The Pacific Coast Over one thousand miles of coastline, mountains and valleys to ride, stretching from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to the state of Sinaloa. There beautiful cities like Guadalajara, fantastic beaches and great scenery. You could call in at Acapulco, one of the most famous resorts in the world. Central Mexico When it comes to natural beauty, Central Mexico takes some beating. Temperatures are fairly moderate, ranging between -3 and 30 degrees centigrade. Mexico City lies in this region, but it‘d advisable to avoid going into the city on your bike unless you‘ve done it before left unscathed. Away from the city, you‘ll find peace in a landscape rich with lakes, waterfalls, caves and forests. There are plenty of pretty little towns like Huamantla.
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90
Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather â&#x20AC;&#x201C; charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Comision Nacional de Agua Mexico City Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
21.2
11.0
2.3
22.9
4.3
2.1
9.2
25.7
10.1
3.1
Apr
10.8
26.6
25.9
7.9
May
11.7
26.5
56.0
12.7
Jun
12.2
24.6
134.8
17.7
Jul
11.5
23.0
175.1
23.4
Aug
11.6
23.3
169.2
22.8
Sep
11.5
22.3
144.8
18.9
Oct
9.8
22.2
66.9
9.5
Nov
7.9
21.8
12.1
4.4
Dec
6.6
20.8
6.0
2.6
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
5.8
Feb
7.1
Mar
Acapulco Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
23.3
30.3
13.1
1.0
Feb
23.5
30.4
3.3
0.5
Mar
23.6
30.3
1.2
0.2
Apr
24.0
30.7
4.3
0.3
May
25.2
31.5
22.6
2.5
Jun
25.1
31.9
261.2
12.9
Jul
25.0
32.3
243.0
12.0
Aug
25.0
32.2
280.3
13.3
Sep
24.8
31.6
298.8
14.3
Oct
25.1
31.7
127.5
7.9
Nov
24.9
31.5
17.0
1.7
Dec
24.1
31.0
11.6
1.0
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org 91
Guadalajara Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall (mm)
Mean Number of Rain Days
24.7
19.9
2.0
11.0
26.5
4.5
1.1
Mar
13.0
29.2
3.9
0.5
Apr
15.1
31.0
6.8
1.3
May
17.2
32.4
18.8
3.0
Jun
17.8
30.6
184.9
14.2
Jul
16.8
27.4
273.8
21.3
Aug
16.7
27.3
219.7
19.4
Sep
16.8
27.2
166.0
14.5
Oct
15.4
27.3
50.6
5.6
Nov
12.8
26.6
15.3
2.0
Dec
11.2
25.0
8.0
1.8
Mean Total Rainfall
Mean Number of
(mm)
Rain Days
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
10.2
Feb
Cancun Mean Temperature oC Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
20.6
27.9
136.4
10.5
Feb
20.7
28.7
45.7
5.4
Mar
21.5
29.9
52.7
5.4
Apr
23.4
31.5
37.9
4.1
May
24.4
32.7
88.0
6.6
Jun
25.2
33.0
137.5
11.1
Jul
25.2
33.4
57.0
8.8
Aug
24.8
33.6
109.5
10.0
Sep
24.7
32.7
224.6
14.0
Oct
23.8
31.0
221.1
16.3
Nov
22.7
29.6
131.6
12.4
Dec
21.2
28.2
95.7
10.6
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
92
Where to stay in Mexico Nayarit Little Rig Camping, La Penita de JaltembaNayarit This campground is a sweet find . Located on the beach at 2 minute walk to the town of La Penita No need to ride to shops, groceries and restaurants. We have 2 new bathrooms with hot showers and a swimming pool for exercises and relaxation. There is a large Happy Hour table by the beach for socializing. We will provide internet wireless and cable TV. Two of the nicest owners you want to meet Frank and Carol Francoeur speak English , French and Spanish . The park is located off of Mex. 200 between 91 and 92 Km markers. There is a sign at the corner of Cabo San Lucas.. Drive down Cabo San Lucas toward the beach for 3 blocks then turn left on Privada Cabo San Lucas. First house on the right #1 RV Park This park is a short walk to the village centre by the beach . Come enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Your hosts Brian and Carole Francoeur
Telephone
322 107 0083
Website Email
befranco@shaw.ca
Patzcuaro Villa Patzcuaro Hotel & Camping If you consider yourself a passionate traveller, enjoy nature and you like the charm and traditions of ancient culture... ...you are ready to come visit us! At the R.V. Park we offer space for vehicles as well as tents. Services: electricity (hook-ups for 24 units) public restrooms shower facilities hall with fireplace wireless internet pool
Telephone
434 342 0767
Website
http://www.villapatzcuaro.com/eng/Villa_Patzcuaro_RV_Park.htm
info@villapatzcuaro.com
93
Sonora Totonaka RV Park & Motel Totonaka RV Park & Motel is located in San Carlos Sonora, Mexico. Its great weather, fishing, people, water sports and proximity to the U.S. make San Carlos a great place to visit. Our beautiful, clean and safe RV Park & Campground has 120 fully equipped spaces with electrical hook-up (30 amp available), cable tv (ABC,CBS,NBC,AND CNN), water and sewage. Consistent electrical voltage and water pressure. We also have a coin operated laundry, Mexican restaurant and bar, swimming pool and direct access to the beach. We allow camping/tents. And yes, pets are welcome! Our motel has 27 rooms with occupancies for up to 8 persons. Rooms have hot water and daily maid service. Some are equipped with kitchen and/or air-conditioner. All rooms have access to a grassy area, barbecues, the swimming pool and direct access to the beach. Amenities *Free DSL high speed internet use in front office *Easy access to beach & town *Bus stop across the park *When available: fresh fruit, seafood & veggies sold in park *RV/ car wash or wax available *Late night sites available *Public Restrooms/Showers Located Inside Campground *RV/Boat Storage Available *24 Hour Security *WI-FI Service Available
Telephone
622 226 0481
Website
http://www.mexonline.com/totonaka.htm
totonakarv@yahoo.com
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94
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Mexico
· Airport collection · Support vehicle* · Park entry and guided tour (Palanque) · Motorcycle and fuel · Bilingual guide · Hotels Inc Breakfast · No less than 1750 km (1100 miles)
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95
Morocco I think it‘s true to say that Morocco is one of the most exotic locations for bikers, that‘s within easy reach of Northern Europe. Regular ferries cross the straits of Gibraltar from Tarifa in Spain to Tangiers. Once you get there, the roads are pretty good and the countryside is fantastic. Yes, there are arid desert regions, but there are also some spectacular mountains, including the High and Mid Atlas and the Rif. The coastal area is also another option. The summer months in Morocco are, not surprisingly, very hot, but the rest of the year is OK, although it could be a good idea to avoid the mountainous areas in the winter; as in Southern Spain, spring and autumn and the best times to visit. During Ramadan, many shops and businesses are closed, so check what date Ramadan falls. Like Easter, it varies every year. The Rif mountains sound exciting, but don‘t make the mistake of going to Ketama; it‘s right in the heart of cannabis land at best, uncomfortable, at worst, downright dangerous, having said that, the rest of the country is generally friendly and welcoming. You will se a fair amount of police along the way, but if you stick to the out of town speed limit of 100 kph, you shouldn‘t have a problem. And yes, they do employ mobile speed cameras. Fines are ‗on the spot‘. Make sure your passport is valid for six months after the date you enter the country, and that you have insurance cover. There are campsites in Morocco and hotels are quite affordable, but bear in mind that this is a Muslim country and some of the smaller establishments will not serve alcohol, whilst larger hotels tend to offer the facility. It‘s not impossible to tour Morocco alone, but it‘s advisable to go in a group unless you‘ve been before, know the country, the people and where‘s safe and where‘s not. The minimum age for motorists in Morocco is 21 and you will need to carry ID and your vehicle documents. Road signs are in Arabic and French. Whilst major roads are in good order, some rural roads can be troublesome. Make sure you fill with fuel at every opportunity. It is also a good idea to carry drinking water with you.
Currency
96
Moroccan Dirham
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
15
Fire
15
Police
19
Near Fez
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97
Where to go in Morocco Marrakech The name alone invokes pictures of snake charmers, water-sellers, musicians, dancers, acrobats and bustling markets, and reality itself wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t let you down. Marrakech has the largest souk in Morocco and one the busiest city squares in Africa, which transforms into a huge open air restaurant when the sun goes down. Fez Fez is the mediaeval capital of Morocco and has the best preserved old city in the Arab world. Its labyrinthine medina is the largest car-free urban zone in the world, where motorbikes, hand-carts and donkeys are used for the transportation of goods. Fez can be reached in 4 hours from Casablanca via the superb toll motorway. Meknes Meknes was once the centre of the White Slave Trade and is surprisingly overlooked by many tourists, considering the proximity of the Roman ruins of Volubilis (A UNESCO World Heritage Site). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s much more laid back than Marrakech and Fez and the people seem friendlier too. Tangier This is the entry point for most motorcyclists; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t just pass through it, stop and take a look at this fascinating city. It has an eclectic mix of African, Spanish and French culture. It was even once controlled by Britain. It lies just 20 miles from the European mainland.
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Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the National Meteorological Direction Casablanca Mean Temperature oC Daily Minimum
Month
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Jan
7.2
17.1
40.1
6
Feb
10.5
18.8
0.0
0
Mar
12.0
21.3
0.0
0
Apr
12.6
19.7
43.7
12
May
16.0
22.2
14.4
5
Jun
18.6
24.4
0.0
0
Jul
20.1
26.2
0.0
0
Aug
21.2
26.7
0.7
2
Sep
19.3
25.5
9.7
4
Oct
15.1
22.1
67.4
5
Nov
11.5
19.8
18.2
8
Dec
10.9
19.7
105.7
12
Marrakech Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Minimum Maximum
Jan
5.2
17.4
16.2
2
Feb
8.7
24.9
0.0
0
Mar
12.1
26.3
0.0
0
Apr
10.8
23.5
29.4
4
May
14.7
28.2
15.5
3
Jun
19.1
36.4
0.1
1
Jul
20.1
37.9
0.0
0
Aug
21.3
36.9
0.0
0
Sep
18.7
32.9
7.0
0
Oct
13.4
26.0
12.3
4
Nov
9.7
22.4
6.8
1
Dec
8.4
20.7
33.4
7
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
99
Where to stay in Morocco Hotel Ibis Moussafir Fes Fes The Ibis Moussafir Fès hotel is located a few minutes from the centre of Fès and the magnificent Médina, a universal heritage retracing the history of the Moroccan dynasties. 40 m from the railway station and 12 km only from the airport, the hotel has 123 air-conditioned rooms and a meeting room for organising seminars and conferences. Guests have the use of a garden with a swimming pool, a bar open 24/24, a restaurant and parking. Tennis courts close by. Golf 15 km away.
Telephone
535 651902
Website http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-2033-ibis-moussafirfes/index.shtml
Marrakech Hotel Ali This popular hotel is located right in the centre of Marrakech, near the Jemaa El Fna Square and the Medina with the world famous bazaar in Marrakech. Rooms are clean and of a medium size, all with air conditioning. During the summer period, meals are served on the roof top terrace overlooking the city and the magnificent Atlas Mountains. There is a Hammam for guest's convenience. This is a good choice hotel for those who wish to discover the city on budget. Complimentary lunch or dinner for all HotelConnect clients every day included on the rates.
Telephone
024 444979
Website
http://www.palmotel.com/
Erfoud Palm‘s Club One of the most popular hotel‘s in Erfoud. On the edge of town, with a bar. Telephone
+212(35)576144
Website
http://www.palmotel.com/
100
Zagora Kasbah Hotel Sahara Sky Come to us, to the edge of life, from the snowy mountains of the High Atlas, over the stony plains of the Anti Atlas to the green Oases and the beautiful Casbahs in the Draa Valley. This was the legendary Caravan Route from Marrakech to Timbuktu. See the river Draa disappearing in the desert - the great Sanddesert begins...ride a Camel, sleep a night in the desert with the nomads in their tent...and watch the incredible Sahara Sky with billions of Stars, Nebulae and Galaxies at our Star Terrace.
Telephone
212.667.351943
Website
http://www.hotel-sahara.com/hotel/contact.html
resa@saharasky.com
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101
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Morocco
www.motorbike-tours.co.uk Spain & Morocco Bring your own bike motorcycle tours for individuals, groups and clubs Visit our website to see our brochure Join one of our scheduled tours or let us design a tour around the needs of your club Visit Our Website Email Us with your question Sign Up For The Newsletter 102
New Zealand With a population of only four million, New Zealand is hardly going to be crowded. If you like fresh air and stunning scenery, this could be the place for you. The roads are excellent, as you would expect from such a well developed country, the people speak English and they‘re friendly as well. I always enjoy bungling through with a language I don‘t understand; it‘s all part of the fun to me, but I know a lot of folk are more comfortable with their native tongue. Most people who visit New Zealand and see lush green forests overlooked by soaring mountain peaks, ask them-selves why they‘ve never been before. Although most people are familiar with the two main landmasses of the country, there are in fact many more islands, the most famous being Stewart Island and The Chatham Islands. New Zealand is also famous for its isolation, being 1250 miles from Australia. The first thing to remember when you set out on your bike in New Zealand, is to drive on the left, as in Britain. Your driving licence will cover you for a year, but it must be in English or you will have to obtain a translation. The speed limit is 100kph on the open road and 50 kph in urban areas. All distances and speed limits are in kilometres. The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory and lights are required even during the day. It goes without saying that drinking and driving is strictly enforced Bear in mind when you‘re packing that New Zealand has moderately high rainfall (that‘s why it‘s so green). The climate is determined by the mountains and the sea, although it doesn‘t suffer from the extensive temperature ranges felt in most continental areas. The weather however, can change quickly, so be prepared. Accommodation can found easily, but it‘s always best to book ahead, especially at busy times.
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
111
Fire
111
Police
111
103
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Where to Go in New Zealand The Coromandel Great coastal scenery, rainforests and golden beaches make for a great motorcycle tour. The Coromandel is blessed with natural beauty and a laid back way of life. When Captain Cook visited the area in 1769, he witnessed the planet Mercury crossing the face of the sun, hence the name ‗Mercury Bay‘. There is also a Cook‘s Bay in the region. The Coromandel enjoys an excellent climate with temperatures between 24 and 31 degrees centigrade in summer months, and an average of 13 degrees centigrade in winter. The region is only 90 minutes ride from Auckland and Hamilton, making it a favourite amongst bikers. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in The Coromandel. Marlborough Wine Region Marlborough accounts for 62% of New Zealand‘s wine output, so expect to be riding by a vineyard or two when you explore this picturesque region. Renwick along with Blenheim and Cloudy Bay is really the centre of the Wine Country that produces what many consider to be the World‘s finest Sauvignon Blanc. The area is a paradise of crystal clear rivers, hidden coves and lush forests, so allow plenty of time for stopping and taking it all in. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in this area.
104
New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd. Auckland Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Daily Precipitation (mm) Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
15.8
23.3
74.3
Feb
15.9
23.6
81.2
Mar
14.9
22.5
86.4
Apr
12.5
19.8
92.9
May
9.9
17.0
100.4
Jun
7.9
14.8
116.3
Jul
6.9
14.0
125.6
Aug
7.9
14.8
111.4
Sep
9.4
16.0
92.9
Oct
10.9
17.6
80.2
Nov
12.6
19.6
83.6
Dec
14.3
21.6
91.
Wellington Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Minimum Maximum
Jan
14.4
21.3
67.0
Feb
14.3
21.1
48.4
Mar
13.5
19.8
76.1
Apr
11.3
17.3
86.8
May
9.1
14.8
99.3
Jun
7.3
12.8
113.4
Jul
6.4
12.0
110.8
Aug
6.9
12.7
106.0
Sep
8.3
14.2
81.6
Oct
9.7
15.9
80.8
Nov
11.3
17.8
73.8
Dec
13.2
19.6
74.1
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org 105
Where to stay in New Zealand Olde Mill House B&B and Cycle Hire, Renwick, Marlborough Stay with us in the Heart of the Wine Region. Our character home is set in beautiful gardens and is refurbished to provide quality accommodation that retains the charm of yesteryear. We have three rooms with en-suites. Park up your motorcycle in our garage and get on one of our complementary cycles and tour the vineyards. There are approximately 25 cellar doors within a 5 km radius - all nice and flat. There are also hotels in the Renwick Village a leisurely stroll two blocks away.
Telephone
(03) 572 8458
Website
We provide a complimentary service to local vineyard restaurants for evening dining, outdoor spa where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine or BBQ. Robert, my husband has had a life time interest in motorcycling and is a lifetime member of the Moto Guzzi Club of America. His current bike is a Cali 111.
Email us
9 Wilson Street, Renwick, Marlborough
Auckland City Garden For people who like to be in the centre of things without heavy traffic outside, this is the real backpackers' experience in one of Auckland's oldest residential areas, full of historic architecture and character. Located in Parnell on the fringe of Auckland's business centre with not a high rise or apartment building in sight, City Garden Lodge Backpackers has the city's finest restaurants, cafes, art galleries and upmarket shopping all within easy walking. Next door to Auckland's largest city park with its museum and twice daily Maori concert performancesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and with "Vector Arena" Auckland's newest concert venue and sports stadium just 20 minutes walk away. We offer free parking (some off-street), undercover bicycle storage, fast internet access and free unbiased travel information and bookings. We can arrange door to door transport to and from Auckland airport for a minimum cost. We know New Zealand and can give advice on the secret places that will make your trip something to rememberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in, around and beyond Auckland
Telephone
09 302 0880
Website
http://www.citygardenlodge.co.nz/
city.garden@compuweb.co.nz
106
Waihi Beach Lodge: 170 Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach, Ph +64 7 863 5818 Fax +64 7 863 5815 A luxury Boutique Bed and Breakfast Lodge two hours south east of Auckland city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Waihi Beach, a perfect place to tour the coromandel. 40 minutes north of Tauranga just off State Highway 2 (Pacific Coast Highway) at Waihi Beach. We have three king size rooms with ensuite, table and chairs, tea & coffee making facilities, fridge, a private patio and a private deck with sea view. The Beach Suite apartment has a queensize bed, ensuite, kitchen & dining area, lounge area, laundry, a private patio and a private deck which has the sea view. All rooms have TV & DVD as well as beach towels, bathrobes, hairdryers & toiletries, and private entrances Enjoy the free use of a private spa after your ride. Free wireless internet access. DVD and paper-back library. 9 kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ms of beach only 150 metres away. The lodge itself has a large lounge, day room and decks to watch the sea from. Gourmet breakfast; fresh fruit & chocolates on arrival, 6 cafes for evening meal requirments. Only 90 minutes International Airport
from
Auckland
Secure off street parking and garaging if required.
107
Visit Our Website
Bularangi Lodge, Waihi, Coromandel - 0800 787980 Delightful sunny house 10 minutes walk from the centre of Waihi, on a quiet street. It is only a 10 minute ride to Waihi Beach, the Karangahake Gorge and at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula. Ideal base for the best motorcycle ride in New Zealand, The Coromandel Loop.
Email Us Visit Our Website
Fully Secure Motorcycle Parking
Southland Tower Lodge Motel Qualmark rating 4 star. Off road Studio 1 and 2 bedroom units sleep 1-5. All units fully equipped with kitchen facilities including microwaves. Sky TV in lounge and bedrooms. Phone/Internet. Bathrooms equipped with towels, toiletries and hairdryers.Laundry with dryer. Ironing facilities in rooms. Cooked/continental breakfast on request. Secure garaging, outdoor space for trailers. Washing facilities and space for bike maintenance. Storage facilities for bikers equipment.
Telephone
64 03 5728458
Website
http://towerlodgemotel.co.nz/
tlmotel@es.co.nz
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108
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in New Zealand
Harley Tours New Zealand is a specialised tour company operating both Harley Davidson Pillion Passenger Tours and Self-Ride Tours. We offer a full range of tour options from two hours through to our 19 day tour of New Zealand. We also offer Harley Davidson Rental service. Experience the freedom of what New Zealand has to offer on a Harley Davidson V Twin. Majestic coastlines through to magnificent mountains, it is fair to say that these are some of the finest motorcycling roads in the world. Our Auckland 2 hour city tour gives you a flavour of the city, and we do day tours to Hobbiton, Rotorua, Coromandel and Waitomo out of Auckland, and multi-day tours to the Bay of Islands, along the Pacific Coastal and Thermal Explorer Highway.
Harley Tours New Zealand has existed for 7 years and came under new management inJuly 2008 when Baz and Ali Howie took over the business. We are looking forward to continuing the business operation of Harley Tours New Zealand Limited. Having lived in the UK for many years and travelled throughout many countries worldwide, Baz and Ali have returned to New Zealand and set up their own Harley touring business, Bularangi Limited. In July this year came the opportunity to take over the business operation of Harley Tours New Zealand Limited and they see this as an exciting opportunity to further develop the existing business throughout New Zealand.
Visit Our Website 109
64 7863 6069
+
Ducati Multistrada 1000s DS
moreincludes genuine hard panniers, topbox, tank bag, touring screen, heated grips, gel seat & insurance
14+ Days
7-13 Days
3-6 Days
$216
$243
$270
Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
more info
includes genuine hard panniers, heated grips, topbox and insurance 14+ Days
7-13 Days
3-6 Days
$128
$144
$160
Yamaha Fazer FZ1
more info
includes luggage, heated grips and insurance 14+ Days
7-13 Days
3-6 Days
$128
$144
$160
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110
South Africa The road infrastructure is excellent, so a motorcycle tour is a viable option, but South Africa is a huge country not easily traversed in a day, so plan your journeys carefully. If you're not used to driving long distances, break the journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents. While most national roads are tarred and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced. Main roads are identified by colour and number rather than by name, and with a good map which incorporates the route marker system; visitors should have little difficulty in finding their way around. Before you set off, check your route. Many of the national roads between the major centres are toll roads. Check the toll fees before you leave, and make sure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay. Be aware that the roads in many rural areas are not fenced, so you could find dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses or cows on the road, so be extra careful at night. Large antelope crossing the road can also be a hazard in certain areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; watch out for the road signs depicting a leaping antelope, and take it slowly, especially towards evening. Drive on the left-hand side of the road. All distances and speed limits are in kilometres. The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated. Check the road signs. Any valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s licence is accepted provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English. A variety of petrol (gas) stations are situated on both main and country roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. However, distances between towns (and therefore between petrol stations) are considerable in some parts of the country, so it is advisable to fill up your tank before your car starts giving warning signals. Different petrol types are available: unleaded, and 95- or 93-octane ("super" or "premium"). The 95-octane petrol is available in the higher altitude, inland regions, while 93 or lower is used at the coast. 111
South African petrol stations are not self-help: an attendant will fill the car, check oil and water and tire pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for which he or she will expect a tip of two or three rand. Information kindly supplied by www.southafrica.info Currency
Rand (ZAR)
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
10177
Fire
10177
Police
10111
Table Mountain
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112
Where to Go in South Africa The Sunshine Coast An exquisite stretch of coastline warmed by the Indian Ocean which enjoys more sunshine hours than any other part of South Africa. This area where land meets sea, stretches from Tsitsikamma to East London and is definitely a place to stop and take a break. Apart from the magnificent coastline, you‘ll discover lagoons, sub-tropical forests, lakes and rivers. At the northern end of the route lies East London, or Buffalo City as it affectionately known. This town has a rich history and is a great place to start your tour. At the other end of the route you‘ll find the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can experience one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. Table Mountain National Park It‘s hardly surprising that Table Mountain National Park is an international tourism icon and a World Heritage Site. The Table Mountain Chain stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point encompasses some of the best scenery in the world. The park also takes in some great beaches and lush valleys; it is an incredible place to ride your motorcycle. Kruger Safari Park You‘ll have to get off your bike for this one, but it‘s well worth having a day or two out of the saddle if you have the time. The Kruger National Park is perhaps the best known Safari Park in the world and is the heart of South Africa‘a big game country. It would be a shame to go to South Africa without visiting the park. Knysna Lush forests and fantastic scenery are the order of the day here. The area is made up of Knysna, Rheenendal, Belvidere, Brenton, Noetzie and Buffalo Bay and offers forests, lakes and beaches. Add to that, perfect weather all year round and you have the beginnings of a great motorcycle tour.
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113
South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the South African Weather Service Cape Town Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
15.7
26.1
15
5.5
Feb
15.6
26.5
17
4.6
Mar
14.2
25.4
20
4.8
Apr
11.9
23.0
41
8.3
May
9.4
20.3
69
11.4
Jun
7.8
18.1
93
13.3
Jul
7.0
17.5
82
11.8
Aug
7.5
17.8
77
13.7
Sep
8.7
19.2
40
10.4
Oct
10.6
21.3
30
8.7
Nov
13.2
23.5
14
4.9
Dec
14.9
24.9
17
6.2
Johannesburg Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Minimum Maximum
Jan
14.7
25.6
125
15.9
Feb
14.1
25.1
90
11.2
Mar
13.1
24.0
91
11.9
Apr
10.3
21.1
54
8.6
May
7.2
18.9
13
2.9
Jun
4.1
16.0
9
2.0
Jul
4.1
16.7
4
1.0
Aug
6.2
19.4
6
2.1
Sep
9.3
22.8
27
3.7
Oct
11.2
23.8
72
9.8
Nov
12.7
24.2
117
15.2
Dec
13.9
25.2
105
14.9
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org 114
Where to stay in South Africa Cape Town Penny Lane Lodge Penny lane lodge offers Bed & Breakfast as well as Self Catering units ,we have 6 units some sleep 4 people others 2 There is secure under cover inside parking all guests have their own remote control for the main gate We have a salt water swimming pool braai areas and bar. There are magnificient views of the Helderberg Mountains We are situated at the start of the winelands and close to the beautiful beaches of Strand & Gordons Bay and their are 5 major golf courses close by We are 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 30 minutes from Table Mountain There is easy access to all major highways We have a secure on line booking facility on our website where you can book the unit and pay a deposit online and find a description of each unit.
Telephone
+27 21 8529976
Website
http://www.pennylanelodge.co.za/
enquiries@pennylanelodge.co.za
Cape Town Overzee B&B Beautiful accommodation in a log home, with fantastic views over the Indian Ocean. Only a few kilometres from Mossel Bay situated in a nature conservancy. Here you are able to watch (when you are lucky) bushbuck, small grey mongoose and caracal. When taking a stroll along the beach to the "Blinde rivier", you will see the second rarest bird of South Africa, the black oystercatcher amongst a wide variety of other seabirds. See the whales (in season) and the dolphins play from your balcony. Magnificent breaker views. A short walk (10 min.) and you are on the most wonderful sandy beaches. This combined with one off the best year round climates (second to Hawaii), makes Dana Bay a must.
Telephone
+27446981587
Website
http://overzee.xsi.co.za/
overzee@xsinet.co.za
115
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in South Africa
BMW Motorcycle Tours and hire in South Africa Karoo Biking specialises in superbly organised BMW Motorcycle Tours and Rentals in Southern Africa. We combine adventurous off-road and interesting on-road riding to create exceptional experiences. Through encouraging client testimonials we've also learnt that it's everything in-between that sets us apart. It's the everything in-between that makes our tours unforgettable. We pride ourselves on our intimate knowledge of our breathtaking country - its roads less travelled and its authentic hospitality. Perhaps this is why BMW Motorrad International selected Karoo Biking as an official Travel Partner. Or perhaps, it's the professional service we deliver. Let's ride!
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116
Spain Smaller than France and larger than California, Spain is replete with impressive mountain ranges and high plateaus, which provide a source for major rivers such as the Ebro, Tagus and Guadalquivir. To the west, the country shares a border with Portugal, whilst to the north, the Pyrenees separate Spain and France. On the African continent, borders are also shared with Morocco through the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, which remain Spanish territory. Apart from many uninhabited islands in the straits of Gibraltar, including Perejil, the Kingdom rules over larger islands such as the Balearics in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the more unusual territories is Llivia, which is entirely surrounded by France. After the treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, the comarques of Capcir, Conflent, Northern Cerdanya and Vallespir were ceded to the French, however the treaty specified that villages only would pass into French hands. Llivia, though small, was considered a city due to its status as the ancient capital of Cerdanya, so remained Spanish. Spain‘s climate differs dramatically from region to region. A continental Mediterranean climate prevails in the inland areas of the peninsula, whilst an oceanic climate exists on the coastal strip near the Bay of Biscay. This area is known as Green Spain, and for good reason, as it is the wettest part of the country. The region around Tabernas in Murcia is regarded as the only true desert in Europe, yet not many miles away, on the coastline of the Granada and Malaga provinces, a sub-tropical climate is enjoyed by numerous holidaymakers and locals alike. The Canary Islands also bathe in a sub-tropical environment. Add to this, the mountain regions and we can see how diverse the weather can be. If you‘re thinking of touring in Spain, Andalucía in July and August is best avoided, unless you like it really hot. Any other time of the year is fine, although you could be unlucky and drop on a rainy week. Northern Spain has some beautiful scenery, but remember to keep away from the mountainous regions in winter, unless you are well prepared. Speed and distances are measured in kilometres, with 120km/h being the limit on motorways. Local roads (out of town) are usually set at 100km/h and urban areas 50km/h. You will notice many road users flouting these rules, but don‘t be tempted to follow them; Spain has one of the highest death tolls for road users in Europe. Speed cameras, both fixed and mobile, are being used more frequently and on the spot fines are levied to offending motorists. You are not allowed to carry a radar detector. You need to carry all your documentation with you, complete with a spare pair of spectacles if you normally use them. Spare bulbs and a reflective jacket is also 117
required. If you from outside the EC, you will need an international driving licence. Roads in Spain are generally in very good condition, especially motorways and main routes, however some rural and mountain routes can be problematical. There are more than 2000 km of toll roads, but these can be avoided if necessary. Currency
Euro
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Police
112
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118
Where to Go in Spain Malaga‘s Lake District Malaga‘s Lake District is actually three beautiful lakes fringed with pine trees and breath taking vistas. The inter-connecting lakes were created when a dam was built across the 200 metre high Guadalhorce River Gorge. The famous ‗El Camino del Rey‘ or ‗Kings Path‘ clings to the side of the gorge 100 metres above the river. Not too far from the lakes is the weird landscape of El Torcal. Although the area now offers fantastic views over the Andalucian countryside, the area was once under the sea; the resulting limestone structures and some of the best examples in Europe. Also near here is the historic city of Antequera
Leon Leon, bordered by Asturias and Galicia, is one of the most historic regions of Spain. The Knights Templar built many castles in this area, and although Leon has much to offer in the way of history and fantastic scenery, it has escaped the main thrust of tourism, making this wooded, mountainous region a dream for motorcycle touring. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Leon.
Cuenca Anyone who has visited Cuenca will know why the city is known as the ‗Eagles Nest‘. Perched on the edge of a ravine, the ‗Hanging Houses‘ are world famous and make Cuenca a must see destination. Even if Cuenca isn‘t directly on your planned route, it‘s well worth making a detour to see it. Apart from the 15th century ‗Hanging Houses‘, Cuenca‘s old city, with its narrow, atmospheric streets, is a great place to stop off and take a breather. If you fancy ‗hanging out‘ in Cuenca, The Posada San Jose does just that; hangs over the gorge. The Serrania de Cuenca, to the east of the city, is offers waterfalls, scenic valleys and gorges.
Picos de Europa For magnificent scenery look no further than the Picos de Europa. This National Park is only 20 kilometres inland from the north coast of Spain and provides an immediate ‗wow factor‘ after leaving the ferry at Santander or Bilbao. Can be visited in conjunction with Leon.
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Ten Great Motorcycle Routes in Spain
There are hundreds of fantastic motorcycle routes in Spain. This country, which God must have been created with the biker in mind, offers everything from winding coastal roads to awe inspiring mountain passes. Here are ten of my favourite routes. SANTANDER TO BURGOS The N623 which rises to more than 1000 feet above sea level is one of the best pieces of tarmac you'll ever have the privilege of using. Within its 143 kilometres are some really nice, undulating straights, downhill sweeps and hairpin bends. Stop at the top for a while and enjoy the stunning views.
SORIA TO LOGRONO
96 kilometres through the Sierra de Cebolleras. Temperature differences between the top and the bottom can be huge, so be prepared. This is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Spain. Take care which time of the year you tackle this one. Fast straights and hairpins here, so be aware. If you have time, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go through the tunnel, but take the road over the Puerto Piqueras.
MAZARRON TO REQUENA
281 kilometres through one of the most sparsely populated areas of Spain, yet the roads are incredible. The scenery is unbelievable and it's quiet, so quiet. The spectacular nature reserve of 'Muela de Cortes' has a magical feel about it; probably because you can travel for miles without meeting a car..
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ANTEQUERA TO VELEZ MALAGA
32 kilometres of long sweeping bends and spectacular scenery. Call in at the 'Camping Bar' for a coffee on the terrace that overlooks Lake Vinuela. Mount Maroma that stands at over 6,000 feet is often snowcapped. I don't think you could find a better view from a bar anywhere. This can be made into a circular route by heading down to Torre del Mar then taking the coast road, before heading inland again.
NERJA TO ALMUNECAR
If coastal routes are what you like, ignore the new motorway link and take 25 kilometre old road. Be careful here, as the police do patrol this road with a view to collaring bikers. Since the new motorway has taken the traffic away, this road has become a favourite with local bikers, but sadly, some of them never make it to the end.
RONDA TO SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA Fast bends and hairpins are a feature of this road. Ronda sits at a fairly high altitude and I've seen ice on this road at times of the year when there really shouldn't be. As you're coming down, look out for the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance. This road can be very busy as Ronda is a favourite with tourists. While you're in Ronda, take a look around the oldest bull-ring in Spain. 41 kilometres
GRANADA TO MOTRIL Once again it's coast and mountains. 60 kilometres of pure bliss through mountain passes that are abundant with waterfalls. This is really a road for cruising and enjoying your surroundings. If you want to extend the ride, head east when you reach the coast road and stop of in at La Herradura, one of the most beautiful natural bays in Spain.
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MALAGA TO CAMPILLOS Once you've left the hustle and bustle of Malaga, you're not far from Malaga's Lake District. The spectacular El Chorro pass is where they filmed parts of 'Von Ryan's Express' The lakes around this area are stunningly beautiful. There aren't many fast roads around these parts, so once again it's a day for cruising. This 72 kilometre ride, depending on the season, can be a route heavy with tourists.
CABO DE GATA TO TABERNAS
The lighthouse at the Cabo de Gata is the end of the road, but it's worth going up the dead end to experience one of the best coastal runs in the country, albeit short. Once you're on your way, it won't be long before you're passing through the only true desert in Europe, so be careful when you go. I did it in June and it was just as if someone had turned a hair dryer on me. If you have time, you could visit Mini Hollywood, the home of Spaghetti Westerns.
LANJARON TO TREVELEZ This route is only 33 kilometres, but seems longer due to the number of sharp bends, and if you get behind a convoy of tourists you're just about stuck. But having said that, the scenery is magnificent and the highest village in Spain lies at the end of the road.
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Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia A Coruna Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
7.6
13.1
128
17
Feb
8
13.7
102
17
Mar
8.6
14.9
79
15
Apr
9.4
15.5
85
17
May
11.4
17.4
80
16
Jun
13.7
19.8
42
10
Jul
15.6
21.8
30
8
Aug
16
22.5
35
9
Sep
14.8
21.5
68
11
Oct
12.6
18.7
110
16
Nov
10.3
15.8
114
17
Dec
8.9
14
135
18
Malaga Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Minimum Maximum
Jan
7.3
16.6
81
8
Feb
7.9
17.7
55
6
Mar
9
19.1
49
6
Apr
10.4
20.9
41
7
May
13.4
23.8
25
5
Jun
17.1
27.3
12
2
Jul
19.7
29.9
2
1
Aug
20.5
30.3
6
1
Sep
18.2
27.9
16
2
Oct
14.3
23.7
56
6
Nov
10.8
19.9
95
7
Dec
8.4
17.4
88
8
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org 123
Barcelona Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
4.4
13.4
41
6
Feb
5.3
14.6
29
5
Mar
6.7
15.9
42
6
Apr
8.5
17.6
49
7
May
12
20.5
59
7
Jun
15.7
24.2
42
6
Jul
18.6
27.5
20
3
Aug
19.3
28
61
6
Sep
16.7
25.5
85
6
Oct
12.6
21.5
91
8
Nov
8.1
17
58
6
Dec
5.7
14.3
51
6
Madrid Mean Temperature oC Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
2.6
Feb
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum 9.7
37
9
3.7
12
35
9
Mar
5.6
15.7
26
7
Apr
7.2
17.5
47
11
May
10.7
21.4
52
12
Jun
15.1
26.9
25
7
Jul
18.4
31.2
15
3
Aug
18.2
30.7
10
3
Sep
15
26
28
5
Oct
10.2
19
49
9
Nov
6
13.4
56
9
Dec
3.8
10.1
56
11
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Where to stay in Spain Visit Our Website
125
Visit Our Website
Plaza España 9 24793 Valderrey León - España Tel: 0034 987637154 Movil: 0034 679517260 E-mail: a-ti@a-ti.es Visit Our Website
A Different Spain
We are situated in a little village called Valderrey in the province of León. Our BB a-ti is in original "Maragata"style completely modernised, closely situated to Astorga capital of the "Maragata"region . If you want to stay in a different part of Spain, friendly people, Tapas and historical towns like Astorga, León, Salamanca, Zamora, Oviedo, Valladolid and the best wine region, a stay at BB a-ti is a must. Perfectly placed to use as a base for your motorcycle tour, or as a stop-off. Come and stay with us and spoil yourself.
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The Posada de San Jose, which was built during the XVlll century, is situated in heart of the historic quarter of Cuenca. The building retains its past monastic characteristics for it was the San Jose Choir School which echoed to the voices of boys rehearsing masses to be sung in the nearby cathedral. Antonio and Jennifer Cortinas re-opened the Posada in 1983, since when, with sensitivity, they are restoring and refurbishing it, complementing its past architectural character with contemporary standards of hotel comfort so that guests are offered friendly hospitality and local culture throughout their stay. Visitors will be charmed by this unique Posada and appreciate the harmony of decoration and its superb situation overlooking the Huecar River Gorge. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed when taking deliciously home-cooked evening meals or continental-style buffet breakfasts. The remarkable position of the hotel offers a dramatic panorama of sunlight, shadows and breathtaking scenery. All is tranquility and it is little wonder that this intriguing, old quarter of Cuenca was designated a World Heritage Sight in 1996; the Posada de San Jose so perfectly belongs within it!! Visit Our Website Email Us
Tel.: (+34) 969 21 13 00 127
Sitges Antonioâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s 6 double bedroom house, each one with private bathroom (en-suite) set in this idyllic location in Sitges, minutes from beaches and bars, yet only a short trip into the centre of Barcelona. Also apartments available. Open all year round including Christmas and New Year. In each room you will find a terrace or garden, tea and coffee making facilities, safety box, TV, ceiling fan and central heating. For more details and pictures of each room look at the website. Laundry facilities available. Bike washing facilities available. Luggage storage space. Linen & towels provided. Basic toiletries provided.
Telephone
938 949 207
Website
http://www.antoniossitges.com/frameg.htm
info@antoniossitges.com
Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias Hotel Torrecerredo The Hotel Torrecerredo is a fairly modern building located just 3 minutes walk from the centre of the village of Arenas De Cabrales. It is ideally situated for bikers wishing to visit the Picos De Europa National Park and the spectacular mountains of the Cordillera Cantabrica that shadow the coastline of Northern Spain. The hotel was completely refurbished in 1992. There are 19 en suite bedrooms each fitted with TV, telephone and central heating for the colder months. Each room has been individually decorated. Ideal for relaxing after a days exploring, the Hotel offers a pleasant garden terrace bar from where you can enjoy stunning views of the high Picos a few kilometres to the south, including the highest peak, the "Torre de Cerredo". They have a wide experience of tourism in Northern Spain and can offer advice on almost anything in either Spanish or English.
Telephone
985 846 640
Website
http://www.fade.es/torretours/hotel.htm
torretours@fade.es
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Denia, Valencia Hostal Loreto Hotel Hostal Loreto is a comfortable, family run hotel with 43 bedrooms and a lively cafĂŠ/restaurant. The building dates from the sixteenth century and is a former nunnery. It is located in a pedestrian area in the medieval centre of the old town close to many shops and restaurants and overlooked by a Moorish castle. It is rumoured that a secret tunnel ran from the old nunnery to the castle. The hotel has recently been refurbished and all of the bedrooms have air-conditioning, flat screen televisions, ceiling fans, safes (personal security boxes) and private bathrooms with shower or bath and a hairdryer. Some bedrooms have a small balcony. For up to date price information please refer to our website. The hotel has a fenced and gated, secure private parking which is available for the use of hotel guests for a small extra charge. If you are interested in seeing or racing classic motorcycles there is an annual classic racing revival meeting in Denia which usually takes place at the start of May. If required we can assist with the rental of scooters, motorbikes, trikes and quads from reputable local companies.
Telephone
966 435 419
Website
http://www.hostalloreto.com/index_eng.html
info@hostalloreto.com
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129
Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Spain
The Andalucia Tour, The Heartland Tour and The Valle del Jerte Tour Some motorcycle tour operators want ‘bums on seats’, but we like to see ‘smiles on faces’. If you don’t go home from this motorcycle tour smiling, then we won’t. You love your bike, so why leave it at home then rent another one? You're comfortable with your own, so bring it along. That's not the only thing that will make you smile. There’s a lot of planning gone into making these the perfect motorcycle tours. Join us and ride some of the most scenic roads in Europe, if not the world. We believe that we’ve managed to get the balance right between riding and sight-seeing, and as such, created a pretty good motorbike tour. Besides the fantastic weather and the superb biking roads, we’d like to think that we have a few pleasant surprises up our sleeves, 'The Classic Motorcycle museum' (not featured on all tours) being just one of them. But the real stars of the show are the near-deserted roads and the blue skies. We like to laugh as well, so make sure your jaws are well oiled. If you only have one holiday a year, let this be it. The memories you'll collect during this motorbike tour will stay with you long after the year has faded. If you love sharing the open road with friends, look no further. Enjoy your motorcycle tour. Spanish motorcycle tours designed to unearth hidden gems. Fully escorted tours. Suitable for all riders of all machines. 130
USA You probably already know this, but I‘m going to say it anyway; drive on the right. Many of the roads in the States will have five lanes, two in each direction and a centre one to facilitate left turns. It works alright, but be careful because this lane is used by traffic coming from both directions. One of the must do things, is to stop at ‗stop‘ signs, and I mean stop; don‘t just slow down, then accelerate away. Stop even if there is no traffic, or you run the risk of getting a ticket. If you do forget and are pulled to one side by a police officer, be polite and explain that you are a foreigner and unused to the roads. You‘ll probably get away with a warning and directions to your destination. The majority of places allow right turns at red traffic lights if the road is clear. There are some exceptions to this rule, notably New York. Where right turns on red are not permitted, there will be a sign that says ‗No Turn on Red‘. Large road junctions will have the traffic signals suspended above the lanes. Very often a two lane (each way) highway will spread to four lanes at a junction. The left lane to go left, the right lane to go right and the two centre lanes for going straight on. For riders who are used to lane discipline, this can be offputting and lead to taking an exit road when you really wanted to go straight ahead. Keep your eyes open for road signs and select the correct lane as early as possible. Overtaking is allowed in any lane, so you‘re not going to be slowing the traffic as you decide where to go. Just a note about overtaking; be aware that there may be vehicles coming past you on either side. US road signs don‘t always use town names to indicate road directions. Instead, they simply say north, south, east or west, so make sure you know where you‘re heading for, compass-wise. Level crossings aren‘t always gated, so watch for the flashing lights and ringing bells, or at the very least, trains. Some gas stations only accept PIN numbers from credit or debit cards, so if you don‘t carry one, you may have to go on to a place that takes cash. Currency
American Dollar
Emergency Phone Number Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Police
911
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Where to go in the USA Route 66 In 1926, the iconic Route 66 became the first transportation link between Los Angeles and Chicago, and quickly became a lifeline for small mid-western towns in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. The route was to become known as the ‗Main Street of America‘, or the ‗Mother Road‘, as named by John Steinbeck in his novel ‗The Grapes of Wrath‘. During the great depression, route 66 was the highway to the west and a better life, and again, after the Second World War, when many ex-servicemen took the road in search of opportunities. So began the building of motels, restaurants, stores and gas stations that gave the route its special charm. Riding route 66 is a journey of discovery, to find the soul of America. Much of the route has been replaced by modern sections of freeway that by-pass the towns that were once the Main Street of America, but if you keep to the old road as much as possible, you‘ll still get a feel for the Mother Road. In 1985, US66 was removed from the Highway System after it was decided that the route was no longer relevant. Sections of the route which pass through Arizona, Illinois, Missouri and New Mexico have been given the title of ‗National Scenic Byway‘ or ‗Historic Route 66‘. The Three Roses B&B in Pontiac, Illinois caters specifically for Route 66 riders.
Vermont If you like beautiful countryside and scenery, you‘ll love Vermont. The Green Mountain state, as it is known, is one of the smaller states, but also one of the prettiest and its easterly situation makes it easily reachable for European motorcyclists. Vermonters are renowned for their warm, old fashioned attitude towards travellers, so expect a warm welcome when you ride into Vermont. One stop-off you could make is a tour of Ben and Jerry‘s Ice-cream factory in Waterbury, or the Cold Hollow Cider Mill where you can see the 1920‘s cider press in action. The Inn at Magic Mountain and English Rose Inn welcome bikers.
Mount Baker In the North-west of the country lies the dramatic Mount Baker, with its snow dusted peaks. The North Cascades National Park features waterfalls, glaciers and awe-inspiring valleys. If you need to head to the city, what better place to do it, than tree-lined Bellingham; try pausing on the waterfront at Bellingham Bay and looking back towards Mount Baker. Mount Baker Lodging is motorcycle friendly. 132
Central California The Central Coast of California encompasses the seven coastal counties of the Golden State. Here youâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ll have the chance to cruise 300 miles of beautiful coastline along with over fourteen thousand square miles of varied landscape, including six mountain ranges. Motorcycle friendly accommodation in Central California.
The Great Smokies The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a major tourist attraction, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t expect to be alone when you visit. The regional towns all cater for tourists and derive much of their income from the industry. The two main Visitor Centres are Sugarlands and Oconaluftee.
The Cherohala Skyway is 36 miles of spectacular road that links Tellico Plains and Robbinsville. Other notable motorcycle routes in the area are; Thunder Road Tail of the Dragon and Deals Gap Motorcycle route Great Smokies and Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle friendly accommodation in The Great Smokies.
The Smokies 133
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USAâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org With special thanks to the National Weather Service - USA New York City Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
-3.9
3.1
80.5
8.3
Feb
-3.2
4.2
76.7
7.6
Mar
1.1
8.9
91.2
9.0
Apr
6.0
14.6
99.1
8.6
May
11.3
19.8
96.5
9.2
Jun
16.6
25.0
92.7
8.7
Jul
20.1
28.2
96.5
7.8
Aug
19.6
27.7
86.6
7.4
Sep
15.6
23.9
83.8
6.6
Oct
9.6
18.2
73.2
6.1
Nov
4.7
12.1
92.7
8.1
Dec
-0.8
5.9
86.9
8.7
Los Angeles Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Minimum Maximum
Jan
8.8
18.7
61.0
4.5
Feb
9.6
18.8
63.8
4.6
Mar
10.3
18.6
50.3
4.9
Apr
11.6
19.7
18.3
2.5
May
13.5
20.6
3.6
0.6
Jun
15.3
22.2
0.8
0.2
Jul
17.1
24.1
0.3
0.2
Aug
17.9
24.8
3.8
0.4
Sep
17.3
24.8
7.9
1.0
Oct
15.1
23.6
8.6
1.4
Nov
11.6
21.3
44.7
3.1
Dec
8.8
18.8
42.2
3.8
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org 134
Dallas Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
0.4
12.3
46.5
5.0
Feb
2.7
14.9
55.4
4.9
Mar
7.6
19.9
70.4
5.7
Apr
12.6
24.6
88.9
6.5
May
17.0
28.3
124.0
7.4
Jun
21.1
33.3
75.7
5.2
Jul
23.4
35.8
58.7
4.0
Aug
23.1
35.7
56.1
3.6
Sep
19.4
31.0
86.1
5.5
Oct
13.2
25.8
89.4
5.1
Nov
7.4
19.3
58.2
5.0
Dec
2.4
14.2
46.7
5.0
Chicago Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Mean Number of Daily Precipitation (mm) Precipitation Days Maximum
Month
Daily Minimum
Jan
-10.6
-1.7
38.9
7.3
Feb
-8.2
0.8
34.5
6.2
Mar
-1.9
7.7
68.3
9.0
Apr
3.7
14.8
92.5
9.5
May
8.7
21.2
84.3
8.9
Jun
14.2
26.4
96.0
8.0
Jul
17.0
28.7
93.0
8.0
Aug
16.4
27.7
107.2
7.5
Sep
12.2
23.8
97.0
7.7
Oct
5.7
17.4
61.2
6.6
Nov
-0.2
9.1
74.2
7.9
Dec
-7.2
1.1
62.7
7.8
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Where to stay in the USA
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Mt. Baker Lodging
7463 Scenic Mt. Baker Highway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Maple Falls, WA 98266 800-709-7669 (US & Canada) 360-599-2453 (International) Office Hours: 9AM - 5PM PST reservations@mtbakerlodging.com
Cabins, cottages, condos, chalets and executive vacation rental home accommodations are available through Mt. Baker Lodging. Our agency's goal is to provide you with the area's finest vacation home rental accommodations, while you enjoy the splendor of Mt. Baker. So, after a long day of riding, put your feet up at one of our many Mt. Baker area vacation properties, and call it a Mt. Baker day!
Visit our website
The Gables Wine Country Inn is the perfect Wine Country Bed and Breakfast for your next visit to the California wine country. The Gables is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion right in the center of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spectacular Sonoma Wine Country. The Inn sits on three lush green acres with magnificent vineyard and valley views.
Email Us Visit Our Website 137
An easy one hour ride north of San Francisco, our Santa Rosa Bed and Breakfast provides easy access to more than 200 wineries spanning eleven appellations, including the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley. Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, a giant California Redwoods Park is just twenty five minutes from the Gables, as is the scenic coastline of the Pacific Ocean. 4257 Petaluma Hill Road Santa Rosa, California 95404 (707) 585-7777 or (800) 422-5376
Londonderry Vermont Visit Our Website email
Telephone 802 824 5600 The rooms were completely remodelled upon the Inn's grand re-opening in the Summer of 2006. Our rooms have brand new furnishings, beds, and every room includes complimentary long distance, internet connections, and cable television with HBO. We have a variety of configurations, ranging from traditional accommodation to a three bedroom suite, equipped with a fireplace and kitchenette. Many of our rooms have an adjoining bunk rooms, perfect for families, providing some privacy without being overpriced. We have also recently added two person jacuzzi tubs to a few rooms- book them fast, jacuzzis are always nice in fall and winter! Contact the Inn directly to discuss arrangements for any size group.
Magic Mountain is conveniently located in Southern Vermont. Londonderry, VT is easy to get to and not far from your home! Magic is only a 25 minute drive from exit 6 off Interstate 91 in Vermont. It is an easy, straight shot. Just minutes away from Stratton and Okemo. Our official address is 420 Magic Mountain Access Rd., Londonderry, VT
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25 minutes from Manchester,VT 1.5 hours from Albany & Springfield MA 1.75 hours from Wilbraham, MA 2 hours from Hartford 2.5 hours from Boston 4.5 from NYC The Inn on Magic is just five minutes away from the Green Mountain National Forest, with any luck maybe you'll see a moose. Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Antiquing, or maybe visiting one of Vermont's many local dairies, are just a few of the things to do in the summer and fall. Of course, just taking in the breathtaking colors of the fall foliage is spectacular.
English Rose Inn
An Elegantly Decorated Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Warm and Welcoming 195 Vermont Route 242 Montgomery Center, Vermont 05471 (802) 326-3232 (888) 303-3232
Visit Our Website
Come and join us for a romantic Victorian getaway, in our 1850's 25room farmhouse framed by the scenic Vermont Green Mountains. We offer 14 beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites with private baths. Lace curtains, hardwood floors, crocheted and homemade quilts adorn the antique-filled rooms. Dine at Paddington's and experience world class cuisine at its best, presented by the Inn's own award winning Chefs. We are conveniently located in the Northeast Kingdom, just 3 miles from alpine or cross country skiing at Jay Peak, hiking the historical scenic Long Trail or Hazen's Notch, and cycling the challenging picturesque mountain roads. Our dinners are available Friday through Sunday. Restaurant hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Any time of the week for in-house guest. Our large dining room can accommodate 50-75 people. Groups welcome! Join us for a romantic evening of fine dining and relaxing entertainment. Experience our unique blend of traditional favorites from American and British Cuisine. We take great pride in using the highest quality products available.
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Motorcycle Resort Visit Our Website
MOUNTAIN BROOK . . . right in the MIDDLE . . . of the MOST . . . . . . exciting thigh-tingling, tire-burning rides that can be enjoyed in and around the Great Smokies! Western North Carolina offers some of the sweetest roads and motorcycle resorts in the U.S.! You won't want to miss: Cherohala Skyway Thunder Road Tail of the Dragon and Deals Gap Motorcycle route Great Smokies and Blue Ridge Parkway Plus other well kept secrets for motorcycle riders
MOUNTAIN BROOK MOTORCYCLE RESORT is great for you! We have lots of maps, information and knowledge to share; we've been hosting motorcycle guests for more than 30 years! Groups Welcome. Safe, easy access, paved roads and only 2/10 mile off the main road - no windy gravel roads miles back into the mountains to have to navigate. Room for trailer parking, too.
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Old Monterey Inn Monterey, California (CA)
The Old Monterey Inn Bed and Breakfast of Monterey, CA, is a historic, boutique hotel bed and breakfast inn which boasts luxurious rooms and suites perfect for travelers headed to the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel and those seeking bed and breakfast accommodations near Pacific Grove and Big Sur. Set in a beautiful garden, this 4-Diamond AAA rated Monterey bed and breakfast was recently awarded a position on the coveted Conde Nast Travel Reader's Choice Gold List and is a popular choice for those seeking a romantic honeymoon destination or a Monterey vacation. Golfers will enjoy this Monterey bed and breakfast inn's proximity to some of the best golf courses in the world. Recently featured on The Today Show as a romantic rendezvous destination loved by the editors of Travel and Leisure Magazine. Each room at Old Monterey Inn offers a private bath and relaxing sitting area. Many have wood-burning fireplaces, stained glass windows and skylights. Thoughtful details abound: plush featherbeds and down duvets with superb quality linens, soft terry lined robes along with perfumed bath salts, thick towels, current magazines and candles.
Visit Our Website Email Us
Telephone: 831-375-8284
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Talkeetna, Alaska This small lodge in Talkeetna, Alaska offers 20 clean and modern rooms, and a neat and rustic restaurant where you can enjoy alaskan and swiss specialties. The SwissAlaska Inn is located in a woodsy area only a 5 minute walk away from Main Street of historic Downtown Talkeetna, and right next to the public boat launch. Each room has a private bath with a tub/shower combination. All rooms are nonsmoking. Most rooms have two beds, some have roll-aways available for additional guests. Two rooms have king-size beds and Jacuzzi type tubs. There are also two rooms that are wheelchair accessible. A complete breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is offered in our restaurant located on the same premises. We are known for our Swiss-style French toast and our omelettes for breakfast, our home-made soups and chilli at lunch, and our Alaskan salmon and halibut dinner plates. Also our schnitzels are always a hit. Your hosts Renamary and Vern Rauchenstein await your arrival, ready to make your stay comfortable and memorable.
Tel: 907 733 2424 website
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Motorcycle Tours & Hire in the USA
USA / Canada +1 888 849 4098 International +1 949 579 9422
Visit Our Website
We rent the bikes that no other company has got and we deliver them for free!
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Take the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco on the award winning Suzuki Hayabusa. Blast through Angels Crest Highway on the incomparable BMW K1300S. Take the 2,448 mile run from Los Angeles to Chicago on Route 66 aboard the remarkable K1200LT. Ride down the Las Vegas Strip on the incredible V-REX. If you have the experience and the desire, we have the roads and the bikes. We are five minutes from Disneyland. All of our rentals and tours originate out of Southern California or Las Vegas, but we can make arrangements for you to drop-off the bikes anywhere in the country. We provide shuttle services from the Los Angeles Airpot, the Long Beach Airport, the Orange County Airport and the Ontario Airport. We have free storage facilities for your luggage if you will be traveling locally and we also operate chase vehicles that can deliver your luggage to destinations along your route. We pledge to do everything possible to make sure that your motorcycle adventure is as good as it can be. In return, we ask for a commitment from you to take care of our rental equipment as if it was your own. We take great pride in offering you the very best bikes in the best condition. We hope to see you out here soon. Ride safe.
Standard Equipment:
BMW R1200R
Hard saddle bags Windscreen Luggage Rack Heated handgrips ABS brakes Available at additional cost: Topcase with back pad $20/day Small magnetic tank bag $5/day All motorcycles are meticulously maintained for your safety and enjoyment by authorized BMW dealers
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Vietnam Main roads in Vietnam are maintained in fairly good condition, but it‘s not the roads that are the problem, more the people who use them. The better the road surface, the faster the traffic, which seems a reasonable statement, but when you get two lorries, a bus and scooter carrying half a dozen hens hurtling towards you, you begin to get the picture. There is no such thing as lane discipline in Vietnam. If there‘s a space, you occupy it no matter which side of the road it is. It seems that the main rule is ‗If the vehicle is bigger than you, get out of the way‘. On top of this are slow moving bicycles, tractors, heavily laden motorcycles, pedestrians walking in the road and animals wandering at will. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is a must. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. During the Monsoon season, which generally runs from October to February, heavy rains can result in flooding and landslides in some areas. You‘re probably going to go on a pre-booked guided tour, so your tour operator should be a able to advise you. Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border. In 2008, there were a small number of incidents that have resulted in fatalities, in southern Vietnamese provinces neighbouring Ho Chi Minh City. You should not stray off main routes in rural areas and you should check with your tour operator before travelling to affected regions. You should be aware that transport infrastructure in Vietnam can be in poor condition. Provincial authorities have warned that the Dong Nai bridge (linking Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and other north-eastern provinces) is at risk of collapsing. Since 20 August 2007, vehicles seating seven or more passengers heading towards Ho Chi Minh City have been diverted to the Hoa An bridge to avoid overloading. Some parts of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. In others, widespread road construction makes driving hazardous. Crash helmets are compulsory on the main highways, but it‘s advisable to wear one at all times. Just a note about drugs; If you are foolish enough to dabble in this activity whilst in Vietnam, be prepared to extend your stay indefinitely. Penalties include long prison sentences and the death penalty, which is enforced in Vietnam. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. When checking into a hotel, you will have to surrender your passport so that the 145
hotel can register your presence with the local police. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of the data page from your passport, which can be used as proof of identity. Foreign visitors to Vietnam are not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms. Photography of or near, military installations is generally prohibited. You must obtain a visa prior to travel unless, exceptionally, prior arrangements have been made (by your tour operator or if you are an officially sponsored visitor). You should check visa validity and conditions carefully. They are usually valid for one month. There are fines and/or imprisonment if you overstay your visa. Entry to Vietnam may be refused if your passport has less than six months validity. If you lose your passport or have over-stayed you will need to apply for a new visa from the Immigration authorities in order to leave the country. This can only be done during working hours and usually takes three to five working days. You should retain the yellow customs form on entry to Vietnam, as this is required for exit. If you lose this form you are likely to be fined on departure. Hygiene standards in restaurants vary. Beware of food from street-side vendors, which might be contaminated. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Vietnam you should seek immediate medical attention. You should not drink wine without brand names. In a recent incident, 9 Vietnamese nationals in Ho Chi Minh City died as a result of fatal levels of methanol in certain brands of rice wine.
Currency
Dong (VND)
Emergency Numbers Ambulance
05,
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Fire
08,
Police 03
Where to go in Vietnam Halong Bay A major draw for tourists to Vietnam is the beautiful Halong Bay area. This World Heritage site is home to some truly spectacular scenery including mangrove swamps and coral. Leave your bike and rent a junk to see some of the 1,969 limestone islands that create a unique panorama.
Ho Chi Minh City While you‘re in Ho Chi Minh City you may like to visit Ho Chi Minh‘s Mausoleum and cast your eyes on the man that gave the city its name. The city itself is a mixture of high rise and French colonial buildings.
Hanoi Hanoi too, bears the mark of French colonialism, with French style cafés, bustling markets and bizarre shops making the Old Quarter a target for curious tourists.
Dalat Dalat is a former colonial Hill Station, very much reminiscent of an old French town. Some of the elegant villas are fading a little, but the place still has a charming atmosphere. It is surrounded by a wonderful mixture of mountains and lakes.
Sapa Sapa, north of Hanoi, is home to many hill tribes whose way of life has largely remained untouched by the modern world. The local residents still don colourful national dress.
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Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Weather charts supplied by www.worldweather.org , With special thanks to the Hydro-Meteorogical Service of Vietnam Hanoi
Month
Mean Temperature oC Mean Total Rainfall Daily Daily (mm) Minimum Maximum
Mean Number of Rain Days
Jan
13.7
19.3
18.6
8.4
Feb
15.0
19.9
26.2
11.3
Mar
18.1
22.8
43.8
15.0
Apr
21.4
27.0
90.1
13.3
May
24.3
31.5
188.5
14.2
Jun
25.8
32.6
239.9
14.7
Jul
26.1
32.9
288.2
15.7
Aug
25.7
31.9
318.0
16.7
Sep
24.7
30.9
265.4
13.7
Oct
21.9
28.6
130.7
9.0
Nov
18.5
25.2
43.4
6.5
Dec
15.3
21.8
23.4
6.0
Ho Chi Minh City Mean Temperature oC
Mean Total Rainfall (mm)
Mean Number of Rain Days
31.6
13.8
2.4
22.5
32.9
4.1
1.0
Mar
24.4
33.9
10.5
1.9
Apr
25.8
34.6
50.4
5.4
May
25.2
34.0
218.4
17.8
Jun
24.6
32.4
311.7
19.0
Jul
24.3
32.0
293.7
22.9
Aug
24.3
31.8
269.8
22.4
Sep
24.4
31.3
327.1
23.1
Oct
23.9
31.2
266.7
20.9
Nov
22.8
31.0
116.5
12.1
Dec
21.4
30.8
48.3
6.7
Month
Daily Minimum
Daily Maximum
Jan
21.1
Feb
Remarks: * Climatological information is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 19712000. * Mean number of precipitation days = Mean number of days with at least 0.1 mm of precipitation. * Precipitation includes both rain and snow.
Weather for other cities can be seen at www.worldweather.org
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Where to stay in Vietnam Hanoi Movenpick Hotel Conveniently located in the heart of Hanoiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s business district, a 40-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport and only 5 minutes from the city centre, MĂśvenpick Hotel Hanoi is specially tailored to meet the needs of discerning corporate travellers. There are 154 well-appointed rooms and suites, 93 of which are non-smoking rooms, and 20 connecting rooms. All rooms are equipped with LCD flat screen TVs and a wide selection of international cable TV channels. Mini-bar, IDD telephone, personal safe, tea and coffee making amenities are also available. Broadband cable and WiFi Internet is accessible in all guest rooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel.
Telephone
84 4 3 9747 543
Website http://www.moevenpickhotels.com/en/pub/your_hotels/worldmap/hanoi/overview.cfm Email
via website
Galaxy Hotel The Galaxy Hotel is situated in the centre of Hanoi, adjacent to the old town and financial heart of the city, just a 30 minute drive from the Noi Bai International Airport. The hotel is 10 minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Built in 1918 this 3 star Hotel has been newly renovated from a French colonial building situated in the centre of Hanoi. The Galaxy Hotel offers 60 quiet guest rooms with excellent views of nearby gardens. The hotel has won the prize for the most successful hotel in Vietnam for 1995 to 1997 for occupancy and service quality. Galaxy Hotel offers 60 rooms including twelve spacious, tastefully decorated suites and a meeting room. Every room has a private bathroom complete with bath tub and shower, colour TV with satellite programs, IDD telephone, music and smart mini-bar.
Telephone
84.4.8282888
Website
http://www.galaxyhotel.com.vn/indexe.asp
galaxyhtl@vnn.vn
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Ho Chi Minh City Continental Hotel The hotel is located in the heart of Saigon, adjacent to the Municipal Theater. It is about 6km from the airport. The Hotel Continental has a rich character and charm of original French colonial architecture. The Hotel was designed by a French architect and built in 1880 and is an ideal place to rendezvous for the business travelers as well as the tourists. A unique legendary old palace in HoChiMinh City - Vietnam, The Hotel Continental was designed by a French architect and built in 1880. The Hotel Continental, with its rich character and charm of original French colonial architecture remaining unchanged through time, will give you the luxurious, romantic and elegant atmosphere right in the heart of such a hustle and bustle city as Saigon,as it is called by citizenry no matter the city's name change to HoChiMinh City in 1975.
Telephone
(84.8) 38 299 201
Website
http://www.continentalhotel.com.vn/
continentalhotel@vnn.vn
Tan My Dinh Hotel Centrally located in the business and commercial district at its door step of Ho Chi Minh city. Far 50 metters drom the Ben Thanh market Only 20 minutes driver from the Tan Son Nhat airport.Tan My Dinhhotel is an ideal place a waiting you. Enjoy the special attention provided by the team of guest service staff who are always ready to a One of the key features of Tan My Dinh Hotel are its rooms and the facilities made available therein. The guest can choose from 75 guest rooms categorized into Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Royal Deluxe Room. The exotic interiors and an articulate use of choicest upholstery make the rooms extremely beautiful. The rooms are elegant and are tastefully laid out to provide the maximum of comfort within the hotel. All the rooms are equipped with air-conditioning machines with individual control system, TV with cable and satellite connection, direct-dial telephones, high-speed internet access.
Telephone
(84.8) 823 0356
Website
www.tanmydinh.com
sales@tanmydinh.com
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Motorcycle Tours & Hire in Vietnam Motorcycle - Motorbike - Scooter - Moped Rental Service Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC), Vietnam If you are in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) Vietnam, you need to rent or hire a motorcycle - motorbike - scooter or a moped for your getting around, it is our rental service that you should consider. Located in District 3, center of Saigon (Sai Gon) - Ho Chi Minh city, our rental service has been in business since the very first days in 1993. It is, by our customers, said to be the best rental dealer in town. Since, we have always been offering the most reliable motorcycle - motorbike - scooter moped at a very reasonable price. Moreover, what our customers can also rely on is the great free service which includes free home delivering, free monthly maintenance, free service by request at anytime and any place for our customers' convenience. So, if you need a bike to move around in the city, for at least a week of course (cause we don't have time for day-by-day rentals), this is your best choice. Better rates for monthly rental. Bikes are always especially adjusted for best fuel saving and smooth operation. To find out what types of bikes we have, click Gallery & Availability To find out what bikes we have right now for rent, click Available Now To find out what bikes we will have soon, click Available Soon To check for our rental rates, click Rates & Services To contact us, click Contact Us
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